2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:16-17, John 17:17
The Spirit Makes Us Holy
The word "sanctification" shares its root with the word "holy." To be sanctified is to be made holy — set apart for God, progressively transformed to reflect the character of Christ. And this work is specifically the work of the Holy Spirit.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18
The transformation is real and progressive. And its source is the Spirit.
The Spirit Against the Flesh
The Christian life is not passive — it is a battle. Paul describes a fundamental conflict between the Spirit and the flesh:
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. — Galatians 5:17
The flesh — the remnant of the old sinful nature — does not simply disappear at conversion. It continues to war against the Spirit's work. Sanctification is the process of the Spirit winning that battle progressively over a lifetime.
Walking by the Spirit
Paul's instruction is clear: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16). Walking by the Spirit is not a mystical experience reserved for the specially spiritual — it is the normal Christian life, available to every believer.
It involves:
- **Keeping in step with the Spirit** (Galatians 5:25) — being attentive and responsive to the Spirit's convictions, promptings, and guidance
- **Not grieving the Spirit** (Ephesians 4:30) — avoiding the sin and bitterness that quench His work
- **Not quenching the Spirit** (1 Thessalonians 5:19) — not suppressing His work in our hearts or in the church
- **Being filled with the Spirit** (Ephesians 5:18) — being continually renewed and controlled by the Spirit rather than by other influences
The Spirit's Specific Work in Sanctification
The Holy Spirit sanctifies through several specific means:
The Word of God — Jesus prayed "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17). The Spirit uses Scripture to expose sin, reveal truth, and shape the character of believers.
Prayer — the Spirit intercedes for believers and teaches them to pray in ways that align with God's will, drawing them into deeper communion with God.
Suffering — the Spirit uses trials to refine character, burning away what is superficial and strengthening what is genuine.
Community — the Spirit works through the church — through teaching, accountability, encouragement, and shared life — to shape believers into Christ's image.