Trust in the Sanctification Process and Christian Growth
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, moving beyond mere moral reformation to a deeper transformation of their entire being [1]. This process is a work of the Holy Spirit, carrying to perfection the spiritual renewal begun at regeneration [1]. It involves separation to the service of God [3], and it extends to the "whole man" [1].
The Bible emphasizes that sanctification is a divine work, effected by God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit [3]. For instance, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly" [3]. Christ himself sanctifies believers (Hebrews 2:11; 13:12), and the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this work (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11) [1, 3]. The atonement of Christ is also central to sanctification (Hebrews 10:10; 13:12) [3].
The word of God is a primary means through which sanctification occurs. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17) [3, 10]. This suggests that the Scriptures are able to make one "wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15, Geneva 1599) [2]. Prayer also plays a role, as 1 Timothy 4:5 states that something is "sanctified through the word of God and prayer" [4, 5].
Christian growth, often understood as a continuous process of sanctification, involves increasing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ [7, 8]. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, describes this growth as an increase in the "image and favor of God," where every grace received is a "heavenly seed" that multiplies if nurtured [7]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, notes that the "work of grace is gradual" and can be compared to a mustard seed [8]. This growth leads to maturity, with the ultimate standard being Christ himself, as the Spirit's work transforms believers to be fully like Christ (Romans 8:29) [6].
Trust in this process involves a reliance on God's faithfulness. The apostle Paul expresses confidence in God's accreditation of his ministry and the conversion of believers as "monuments of his mercy" [11]. Believers are called to be found in Christ, not trusting in their own righteousness, but in the justification received through faith in Christ's atonement [9]. This ongoing work of sanctification should lead to the mortification of sin [3].
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”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:15 (Geneva1599) — And that thou hast knowen the holy Scriptures of a childe, which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation, through the faith which is in Christ Iesus.”
- 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”
- 1 Timothy “For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. -- 1 Timothy 4:5”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:5 (YLT) — for it is sanctified through the word of God and intercession.”
- 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).”
- 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”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace,.... In the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase. And though men are to be thankful for their gifts, and be contented with them, yet they may lawfully desire more, and in the use of means seek an increase of them, which may be a means of preserving themselves, and others, from the error of the wicked. Moreover, by "grace" may be meant internal grace. The work of grace is gradual; it is like a grain of mustard seed, or like seed cas”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 3:9: And be found in him - Be found a believer in Christ, not having mine own righteousness - not trusting in any thing I have done or could do, in order to my salvation; relying on no scheme of justification, set up either formerly by myself or by others. But that which is through the faith of Christ - That justification which is received by faith through the atonement made by Christ. The righteousness which is of God - God's method of justifying sinners through faith in his Son. See the notes on Rom 3:21, Rom 3:23 (note), Rom 3:25 (note), where this subject is trea”
- 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”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 3:4: Such trust have we - We have the fullest conviction that God has thus accredited our ministry; and that ye are thus converted unto him, and are monuments of his mercy, and proofs of the truth of our ministry.”