Sanctification – Growing in Holiness

What is Sanctification?

Sanctification is the lifelong process of being made holy—set apart for God's purposes. It is not the cause of salvation, but the inevitable result of it. Through sanctification, the believer becomes more like Christ in thought, word, and deed.

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification..." – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

In contrast to justification, which is instantaneous and declarative, sanctification is progressive and experiential. It continues until the believer is glorified in eternity.

The Source of Sanctification: God's Work

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion..." – Philippians 1:6

Sanctification is not self-improvement—it is the work of God in the life of the believer. While believers participate actively, it is God who initiates and empowers the process through His Word (John 17:17), the Spirit (Romans 8:13), and the church community.

The Means of Sanctification

• The Word of God – A primary tool of transformation. (John 17:17)
• Prayer – Communion with God that aligns our hearts with His.
• Trials – God uses suffering to refine our character. (James 1:2–4)
• Fellowship – The body of Christ supports accountability and encouragement.

These means, when embraced with faith and obedience, cultivate godly affections and habits that shape a holy life.

The Struggle with Sin

Though sin’s power is broken, its presence remains. The believer experiences a daily battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Yet, this struggle is a mark of true conversion and spiritual life.

"For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." – Romans 7:19

This tension affirms our need for grace and causes deeper dependence on Christ.

John Calvin described sanctification as “the renewal of the man in the image of God.” Similarly, Louis Berkhof emphasized that it is a “supernatural work of God by which the moral condition of man is progressively cleansed from sin.”

Reformed thinkers have historically underscored that sanctification is both a position and a process—we are holy in Christ and becoming holy in life.

Final Goal: Glorification

Sanctification looks forward to the day when believers will be completely free from sin and fully conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29–30). Until then, we press on, confident that God will finish what He started.

"Beloved, we are God’s children now... we know that when he appears we shall be like him..." – 1 John 3:2

Reflection and Application

• Am I daily seeking God's help to grow in holiness?
• Am I using His Word and prayer as tools for transformation?
• Do I encourage fellow believers in their journey of sanctification?