Reformers' View on Progressive Sanctification Theology

The Reformers, including John Calvin and other Reformed theologians, affirm the doctrine of progressive sanctification, which holds that believers are continually conformed to the image of Christ throughout their lives. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose," indicating that God is actively at work in the lives of believers to bring about their sanctification. This truth emphasizes the ongoing nature of the Christian life, where believers are progressively set apart from sin and unto God through the work of the Holy Spirit.

This doctrine is rooted in the Reformed understanding of the Christian life as one of dependence on God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. It recognizes that believers are not instantly perfected at conversion, but rather, they are on a journey of growth in holiness, with the ultimate goal of being conformed to the image of Christ. A common misconception is that sanctification is solely the result of human effort, but Reformed theology emphasizes the role of God's sovereign grace in this process.

The doctrine of progressive sanctification matters because it underscores the reality that the Christian life is one of ongoing transformation and growth. It encourages believers to rely on God's grace and to seek after holiness, knowing that they are not alone in this journey. As a pastoral truth, it reminds believers that they are not expected to achieve perfection in this life, but rather, they are to press on towards the goal, trusting in God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in them.