As believers, we are called to spiritual maturity and transformation in Christ. One way to achieve this spiritual growth is through progressive sanctification, but what exactly is it and how does it work? In this blog post, we’ll delve into biblical teaching on this topic, explore its importance in faith and discipleship, discuss how to overcome challenges, and look at the benefits of undergoing this transformative journey. Read on to learn more.
What is progressive sanctification?
Progressive sanctification is a process by which Christians grow in their spiritual maturity and become gradually transformed into the image of Christ. Unlike initial sanctification, which is a one-time event at the moment of salvation, progressive sanctification is an ongoing process that involves the cultivation of spiritual habits and the development of a deeper relationship with God.
Here are some key aspects of progressive sanctification:
- Transformation: Progressive sanctification involves a gradual transformation of the Christian’s character, values, and behavior. This transformation is driven by the power of the Holy Spirit and is in line with God’s will and purposes for the believer’s life.
- Spiritual development: As the Christian grows in maturity, they become more equipped to handle the challenges of life and to live out their faith in practical ways. This can involve developing spiritual disciplines, participating in Christian community, and engaging with biblical teaching.
- Holiness: Progressive sanctification is ultimately about becoming more holy and set apart for God’s purposes. This involves striving for a life of purity and avoiding behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God’s will.
- Grace: A central aspect of progressive sanctification is the recognition that it is a process that takes place by God’s grace and not by our own efforts. Christians can trust in the transformative power of God’s grace to carry them through the challenges of the sanctification process.
Biblical teaching on progressive sanctification emphasizes the need for perseverance, faithful living, and ongoing renewal of the mind. Christians are encouraged to actively engage in the process of sanctification, while at the same time recognizing that it is ultimately God who is at work in them.
Faith and discipleship are also key components of progressive sanctification. Developing a deeper trust in God and a stronger commitment to following Jesus are essential for sustained spiritual growth. Christian community and accountability can also play an important role in helping believers to stay on track with their spiritual development.
While the sanctification process is not without its challenges, the benefits and outcomes are significant. These include greater peace, joy, and purpose in life, as well as a deeper sense of connection with God and with other believers. As Christians become more like Christ in their character and values, they also become more effective witnesses for the Gospel in the world around them.
Overall, understanding progressive sanctification is essential for any Christian who desires to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God. By actively engaging in this process, believers can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and become progressively more Christ-like in their character and behavior.
For more guidance on how to overcome challenges in the sanctification process, continue reading [link to next section].
How does progressive sanctification work?
Progressive sanctification is a gradual process of transformation that occurs in the life of a Christian. It is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to make believers more like Christ as they walk with Him. Understanding how progressive sanctification works is crucial in Christian growth and spiritual development.
At the core, progressive sanctification is a journey towards holiness. It involves a process of putting off sinful habits and putting on Christlike virtues. This transformative journey is marked by a series of choices that a believer makes on a daily basis. These choices lead to gradual but significant changes in their character and behavior.
The sanctification process involves three key elements: self-examination, renewal of the mind, and mortification of sin. Self-examination requires believers to evaluate their lives and identify areas where they need to improve. Renewal of the mind is the process of changing a believer’s thoughts, values, and beliefs to align with God’s truth. Mortification of sin demands believers to put to death sinful desires that are inconsistent with their new identity in Christ.
The transformative power of progressive sanctification depends on the believer’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Christian living requires an intentional pursuit of holiness and a reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power. As believers walk in obedience to God’s Word and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, they become gradually more like Christ.
While progressive sanctification is a gradual process, it does not mean that change cannot happen suddenly or miraculously. In some cases, God works through suffering, trials, or life-changing events to accelerate a believer’s sanctification. However, these experiences are not the norm, and the most common way that progressive sanctification occurs is through daily choices and spiritual disciplines.
In summary, progressive sanctification is a lifelong journey towards holiness that involves a series of daily choices, spiritual disciplines, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It is a slow and gradual process that involves self-examination, mind-renewal, and mortification of sin. While sudden changes can occur, the most common way that believers grow in sanctification is through intentional pursuit of Christlikeness in daily life.
Biblical teaching on progressive sanctification
The concept of progressive sanctification is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. It describes the process of continual growth and transformation of a Christian towards becoming more like Christ. Here are some key biblical teachings on progressive sanctification:
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Holiness: The Bible calls all Christians to be holy, as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Sanctification, therefore, involves the lifelong pursuit of holiness and the transformation of one’s character to reflect God’s loving and righteous nature.
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Renewal of the mind: In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The process of sanctification involves the renewing of our minds with the truth of God’s word, which in turn transforms our hearts and actions.
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Mortification of sin: Paul teaches that we must put to death the sinful desires of the flesh in order to live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:13). Sanctification involves the continual battle against sin and the cultivation of godly attitudes and behaviors.
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Sanctification by grace: Though we strive for holiness, we cannot achieve it on our own. It is only through the grace of God that we are sanctified and made holy. As 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
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Transformational journey: The process of sanctification is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
As Christians strive for greater spiritual maturity and growth in Christ, the biblical teachings on progressive sanctification serve as a guide and encouragement towards the glory of God.
The role of faith and discipleship in progressive sanctification
Faith and discipleship are central to progressive sanctification and play a crucial role in spiritual growth. Progressive sanctification is a process that involves gradual transformation, and both faith and discipleship are necessary components of this journey.
Faith involves a deep trust and reliance on God and the belief that He is capable of transforming us into Christ-likeness. This trust in God’s transformative power allows us to surrender ourselves to His will and be receptive to His work in our lives. As we yield to Him, our faith grows, and we are strengthened to withstand the challenges of the sanctification process.
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Discipleship, on the other hand, involves intentional and deliberate steps towards spiritual growth. It is a commitment to follow Christ by adopting His teachings and living according to His example. Discipleship involves cultivating spiritual disciplines and habits that help us to stay connected to God and grow in our faith. Some of these disciplines include prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service. Through discipleship, we become intentional about our spiritual growth, striving to become more like Christ in our daily lives.
Both faith and discipleship work hand in hand in the sanctification process, providing the foundation and framework for spiritual growth. As we deepen our faith and commitment to discipleship, we allow God to work in us, transforming us gradually into the image of Christ. The transformational journey may be challenging, but faith and discipleship, together, provide the necessary strength and support to keep us moving forward.
In essence, progressive sanctification requires an active participation in one’s spiritual journey. It demands the willingness to surrender to God’s will, cultivate habits that foster spiritual growth, and commit to intentional discipleship. As we remain steadfast and resolute in our faith, we become more aware of God’s love and grace, leading us towards holiness and spiritual maturity.
Overcoming challenges in the sanctification process
As with any transformative journey, the process of progressive sanctification can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some ways to overcome them:
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Self-examination: It’s important to regularly assess oneself and identify areas that need improvement. Acknowledging one’s weaknesses is the first step towards overcoming them.
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Renewal of the mind: Transformative thinking is essential to spiritual growth. Meditating on scripture and focusing one’s thoughts on positive, life-giving aspects, enables one to overcome negative thinking patterns and worldly perspectives that hinder spiritual growth.
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Mortification of sin: The mortification of sin refers to putting to death sinful desires. Through prayer, fasting and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, believers can overcome sinful habits, thoughts, and attitudes that stand in the way of spiritual growth.
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Sanctification through suffering: Pain and suffering can either serve as a means of hindrance or a catalyst for growth. In the sanctification process, difficult situations can teach important lessons and help build character and perseverance in believers.
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Spiritual disciplines: Incorporating spiritual habits such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship can provide accountability, encouragement, and guidance to believers as they navigate the sanctification process.
While the road to spiritual maturity can be challenging, the transformative power of progressive sanctification can lead to great benefits and outcomes. By overcoming challenges, believers can experience freedom from sinful patterns, closer relationships with God and others, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in their spiritual journey.
Benefits and outcomes of progressive sanctification
The sanctification process is a gradual journey of spiritual growth and development that transforms one’s life and character to become more Christ-like. This process of becoming progressively holy comes with its benefits and outcomes, which shape the way we live our lives.
One of the most profound benefits of progressive sanctification is the transformative power it has in our lives. As we grow in spiritual maturity and develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word, our perspectives and priorities change. We become less focused on the fleeting pleasures of the world and more drawn towards godliness and holiness.
As Christians, we are called to live a life that is separate from the world’s values, and progressive sanctification helps us to achieve this. Our thoughts and actions begin to align with God’s commands, and we stop conforming to the patterns of the world. This transformational journey helps us to develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in life, giving us a greater sense of peace and fulfillment.
Another outcome of progressive sanctification is the development of spiritual habits and disciplines. As we become more aware of our sinfulness and the need for holiness, we start to incorporate spiritual practices into our daily lives. Prayer, reading the Bible, and fasting become a regular part of our routine, helping us to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our understanding of His will for our lives.
Progressive sanctification also helps us to overcome challenges in life. As we face trials and tribulations, we can draw on the strength and guidance that comes from a deeper knowledge of God and His promises. The sanctification process helps us to develop resilience and perseverance, which are essential qualities in navigating the hardships of life.
Ultimately, the goal of progressive sanctification is to become more Christ-like. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him, we begin to reflect the character of Christ in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become the markers of our lives, and we start to live a life that is pleasing to God.
In conclusion, progressive sanctification is a journey that every Christian must embark on to develop a deeper relationship with God and grow in spiritual maturity. The benefits and outcomes of progressive sanctification are numerous, including transformative power, development of spiritual habits, overcoming challenges, and becoming more Christ-like. It is a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and discipline, but the rewards are immeasurable.
