Role of Sanctification in Christian Growth and Maturity
Sanctification is the process by which individuals are made holy and conformed to the image of Christ, a work primarily attributed to the Holy Spirit [1, 4]. It involves a separation to the service of God and a progressive transformation of one's entire being [2, 1]. This process extends beyond mere moral improvement, encompassing the spiritual growth and maturity of a person [1].
The biblical understanding of sanctification is rooted in several key passages. Jesus prayed for his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth" (John 17:17) [3, 9]. This highlights the role of God's word as an instrument in the sanctification process [2, 9]. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes sanctification as God's will, stating, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3) [5]. He further connects it to the work of the Holy Spirit, noting that believers are "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:16) [2].
Sanctification is understood as the continuation and perfection of the work initiated in regeneration, affecting the entire person [1]. It is a comprehensive process that brings one's whole nature increasingly under the influence of the new principles implanted at conversion [1]. This includes the mortification of sin and the pursuit of holiness in daily life [2, 5]. John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:3, describes internal sanctification as a work of the Spirit that establishes a principle of spiritual life, divine light in the understanding, a will aligned with God's, and affections set on divine matters, implanting every grace in the heart. External sanctification, he notes, arises from this internal work and manifests in a holy life and conversation [5].
Different theological traditions emphasize various aspects of sanctification. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as seen in John Chrysostom's homilies, views sanctification as a "Laver, the Purification," reminding believers of their past uncleanness from which they were freed by God's loving-kindness, not their own deeds [7]. This perspective underscores the divine initiative in sanctification. The Methodist tradition, represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes continuous growth in grace and knowledge of Christ. Clarke states that "the life of a Christian is a growth," moving from a spiritual child to maturity, continually increasing in the image and favor of God [8]. This highlights the progressive and dynamic nature of sanctification.
The Reformed tradition, as articulated by John Gill and Matthew Henry, also stresses the ongoing nature of sanctification. Henry, commenting on John 17:17, explains that while disciples were already sanctified, Jesus prayed for their further sanctification, implying a confirmation and deepening of the work already begun [9]. The Presbyterian tradition, through Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, interprets "sanctify Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15) as honoring Christ as holy and enshrining Him in one's heart, with God's holiness glorified in the heart as the dwelling place of His Spirit [6].
The ultimate goal of sanctification is maturity in the Lord, which is measured by conformity to Christ himself [4]. The transforming work of the Spirit aims to make individuals fully like Christ [4]. This process is not merely a human endeavor but is "effected by God," through Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, utilizing the atonement of Christ and the Word of God [2].
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”
- John “For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. -- John 17:19”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what ”
- 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, ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: names of men he findeth no place for. But what is Sanctification? The Laver, the Purification. For he reminds them of their own uncleanness, from which he had freed them; and so persuades them to lowliness of mind; for not by their own good deeds, but by the loving-kindness of God, had they been sanctified. “Called to be Saints.” For even this, to be saved by faith, is not saith he, of yourselves; for ye did not first draw near, but were called; so that not even this small matter is yours altogether. However, though you had drawn near, accountabl”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace - Increase in the image and favor of God; every grace and Divine influence which ye have received is a seed, a heavenly seed, which, if it be watered with the dew of heaven from above, will endlessly increase and multiply itself. He who continues to believe, love, and obey, will grow in grace, and continually increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as his sacrifice, sanctifier, counsellor, preserver, and final Savior. The life of a Christian is a growth; he is at first born of God, and is a little child; becomes a young man, and a father in Chr”
- 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”