Sanctification through Trials and Suffering in Christian Life

The concept of sanctification is deeply intertwined with the Christian understanding of trials and suffering. Sanctification, as described by Easton's Bible Dictionary, involves the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing the whole nature of a believer more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul during regeneration ^[1]. This process is not limited to a mere moral reformation but is a comprehensive transformation.

Trials and suffering are integral to this transformative process. The biblical text indicates that believers should not be surprised when they face trials, as these are a natural consequence of living a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12) ^[4]. In fact, the apostle Peter instructs Christians to rejoice in their sufferings because they are participating in Christ's sufferings, and this participation has a sanctifying effect (1 Peter 4:13).

The sanctifying effect of trials is rooted in their ability to test and purify faith. According to the Protestant academic interpretation of 1 Peter, trials serve as a means to prove the genuineness of one's faith, much like gold is purified in fire ^[4]. This process is not about inducing suffering for its own sake but about the transformative outcome it can have on a believer's character and faith.

The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is crucial. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights that sanctification is effected by God, with the Holy Spirit being the agent who carries out this work in believers (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 15:16) ^[2]. The process involves separation to the service of God and is facilitated through the Word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5; John 17:17) ^{[3, 6]}.

Different Christian traditions interpret the relationship between sanctification, trials, and suffering with some nuances. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as reflected in the writings of John Chrysostom, emphasizes the importance of suffering as a means of participating in Christ's sufferings and thereby growing in holiness ^[5]. Similarly, Protestant and Reformed traditions view trials as a testing ground for faith, emphasizing the role of perseverance and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit ^[7].

The biblical basis for understanding sanctification through trials is found in various passages. For instance, 1 Peter 1:6-7 speaks of trials testing faith, resulting in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, underscores the necessity of a holy life following justification, highlighting that sanctification is an essential companion to justification ^[9].

The connection between sanctification and the believer's response to suffering is also significant. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 Peter 3:14, suffering for righteousness' sake is not only expected but is also a context in which believers are called to bless and not curse their persecutors, reflecting the sanctifying work of Christ in their lives ^{[7, 8]}.

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sanctification — Is separation to the service of God -- Ps 4:3; 2Co 6:17. Effected by God. -- Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1:1. Christ. -- Heb 2:11; 13:12. The Holy Spirit. -- Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11. In Christ -- 1Co 1:2. Through the atonement of Christ -- Heb 10:10; 13:12. Through the word of God -- Joh 17:17,19; Eph 5:26. Christ made, of God, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Saints elected to salvation through -- 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2. All saints are in a state of -- Ac 20:32; 26:18; 1Co 6:11. The Church made glorious by -- Eph 5:26,27. Should lead to Mortification of sin. -- 1Th 4:3,4. Ho”
I Timothy “I Timothy 4:5 (LITV) — for through God's Word and prayerful intercourse, it is sanctified.”
1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 13:17 13:23 James 1:6 2:13 2:19 2:26 3:11 4:3 1 Peter 1:3 1:12 2:13 2:21 2:21 2:22 2:22 2:22 5:5 5:8 5:8 5:8 2 Peter 2:4 3:13 1 John 2:9 3:2 3:8 4:8 Revelation 1 1:4 1:9 1:11 1:16 1:20 2 3 3:12 14:1 14:4 14:13 15:6 20:9 22:16 Tobit 12:9 Wisdom of Solomon 1:4 1:14 11:23 11:24 14:16 Sirach 2:2 2:2 2:4 2:10 2:11 2:27 3:10-12 3:11 5:6 6:14 6:16 6:34 7:6 7:31 9:13 9:15 10:9 10:12-13 11:1 11:2 11:3 11:3 11:4 11:15 11:28 12:13 13:15 14:9 15:9 16:3 18:13 18:13 19:14-15 20:20 21:2 22:21-22 23:17 23:17 25:1 25:1 25:11 26:27 28:6 31:1 32:10”
John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 17:17: The next thing he prayed for for them was that they might be sanctified; not only kept from evil, but made good. I. Here is the petition (Joh 17:17): Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth; it is true - it is truth itself. He desires they may be sanctified, 1. As Christians. Father, make them holy, and this will be their preservation, Th1 5:23. Observe here, (1.) The grace desired - sanctification. The disciples were sanctified, for they were not of the world; yet he prays, Father sanctify them, that is, [1.] "Confirm the work of s”
1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 3:14: But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake,.... For the doctrine of justification by the righteousness of Christ, which was the great stumbling block to the Jews, and on account of which they persecuted the Christians; it being not after man, nor according to the carnal reason of men, and was contrary to the method they had fixed on, and what excluded boasting in them, and was thought to be a licentious doctrine; and for a righteous cause, for professing Christ and his Gospel; for vindicating both which, whoever did must expect to suffer persecution; and also for li”
1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3:15: sanctify--hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mat 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. the Lord God--The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." and--Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. answer--an apologetic answer defending your faith. to every man that asketh you--The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, ”
Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 6 (introduction): The apostle having at large asserted, opened, and proved, the great doctrine of justification by faith, for fear lest any should suck poison out of that sweet flower, and turn that grace of God into wantonness and licentiousness, he, with a like zeal, copiousness of expression, and cogency of argument, presses the absolute necessity of sanctification and a holy life, as the inseparable fruit and companion of justification; for, wherever Jesus Christ is made of God unto any soul righteousness, he is made of God unto that soul sanctification, Co1 1:30. T”

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