Sanctification in 999 Words
Pursuing Sanctification
The goal of the Christian life is sanctification.
It’s our primary pursuit and there’s a beautiful simplicity to it.
Walking through the Ordo Salutis, the order of salvation, chart showing how the different acts of God in salvation flow together, the first time the actions/efforts of man show up is in sanctification.
There are only three points in the Sanctification chapter of the 1689, and all three are helpful in understanding and pursuing sanctification in your own life.
Sanctification in the 1689
I’ve simplified each of the three paragraphs for ease of understanding what it’s saying. For the associated Scriptures see this page with the original 1689 chapter, where all the associated passages are listed with the text of Chapter 13 of the 1689.
1. Believers, who have been saved are sanctified by God.
Sanctification begins when you are given a new heart in salvation
Philippians 1:6a – He who began a good work in you…
They also are progressively sanctified through the Word and prayer.
You grow in sanctification throughout the course of your saved life as God perfects it in you.
Philippians 1:6b – … will will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
We are not passive in sanctification.
God works and brings sanctification
We work and pursue sanctification as we apply ourselves to His Word
The Word works but I must be intentional to get the Word in my life.
(It won’t magically implant itself because I sleep with it under my pillow, leave it open on my desk, or have 10 Bible apps on my phone)
In sanctification, sin/the flesh is weakened and spiritual strength grows.
• You put off sin
weakening the flesh
• You put on spiritual strength
growing spiritually stronger
1 Peter 2:2 – long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Always remember: Sanctification is both something God does and also something we do. While salvation is mornergistic (only one acting in salvation: God), sanctification is synergistic (two acting: God and you)
As a believer, sin no longer reigns over you. You’re not a slave to sin any more.
You’re now free to pursue holiness
Romans 8:1-2 – Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
2. Sanctification includes all of you, mind, soul, and body.
Your whole person
mind - soul - body
is in need of sanctification
has been sanctified
and IS being sanctified
It will never be full or complete in this life.
It’s crucial to understand: while we must be “all-in” in our pursuit of sanctification, it will never be complete in this life.
There is a war raging in you: the flesh against the Spirit.
Galatians 5:17 – the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another.
Romans 7:19 – the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
Over and over, the Bible uses intense, violent language to describe sanctification.
Pursue put to death, do not let sin reign, fight the good fight, …shedding blood.
Sin no longer reigns
But it still remains
And you must fight it
Be confident because He works in you so that you also work toward sanctification.
There is great encouragement in the final paragraph:
3. You will, at times, fail in your battle against sanctification, maybe for a while, but the Holy Spirit will supply the strength you need.
Don’t lament that you failed, just turn your focus back to the Lord and ask the Spirit to give you the strength that you need.
Ultimately, you will experience victory over sin and sanctification as you focus on heaven and grow in obedience to the Word.
The true measure of sanctification and growth is in years, rather than days and weeks. Turn your focus to Jesus, fixing your eyes on Him and set your mind on things above, where Christ is. Over time, you WILL grow, because you have the Spirit of God living in you!
Practical Steps toward Sanctification:
1. Understand what Sanctification is
Read the above section again! :-)
2. You’ll never fully arrive.
You’ll always struggle with sin - your entire life. Read Galatians 5:16-26, Romans 7:13-8:2
3. The foundation for growth: the Word & Prayer
Be disciplined in the intake of God’s Word. This involves five sequential steps:
hearing - Sunday morning
reading - throughout the week
studying - when you can (not daily for most)
memorizing - always be working on a verse
meditating - the result of the first four
Prayer comes in alongside of that.
Prayer - we speak to God
Word - God speaks to us
That’s the “conversation.” Conversation is the primary foundation of relationship. We converse with those we’re in relationships with.
The Spirit provides the strength you need as He applies the word to your life.
The Word sanctifies us. (John 17:17)
What is your Word & Prayer plan? Ask someone for help if you need it.
4. Other Spiritual Disciplines
Don’t try to add them all at once – you’ll get overwhelmed, but as you grow, add them.
Check out the blog from 9/21/23 and Read Donald Whitney’s book, “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” for help here.
5. Community
Being around other Christians is crucial. Get involved in church. You need someone to disciple/mentor you.
(If you don’t have someone discipling you, or are discipling someone, in our church app, select “more” at the bottom right, and click on the “Discipleship” option)
You’re not intended to do the Christian life alone. That’s one of the main points of 1 Corinthians 12 that we’ll be studying in the coming weeks.
May the Lord greatly increase your sanctification as you pursue Him!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rob