Romans 8:29, Philippians 2:12-13, John 17:17
The Goal That Never Ends
Justification is instantaneous — the legal declaration of righteousness happens in a moment, at the point of saving faith. Sanctification is progressive — the actual transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ continues throughout their entire life on earth.
The goal of sanctification is defined in Romans 8:29: "to be conformed to the image of his Son." The entire process of Christian growth is the Spirit's work of reshaping a human person to look increasingly like Jesus.
Definitive and Progressive
Theologians distinguish two aspects of sanctification:
Definitive sanctification — the once-for-all separation from the dominion of sin that occurs at conversion. Paul consistently uses the past tense when writing to Christians: "you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified." (1 Corinthians 6:11). In conversion, the believer is placed definitively in the "holy" category — separated to God.
Progressive sanctification — the ongoing, daily, imperfect growth in holiness that follows conversion. Paul's instruction in Philippians 2:12-13: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Two workers: God and the believer. Two activities: God's sovereign work and the believer's responsive effort.
Not by Law but by Grace
A critical mistake in the pursuit of holiness is treating sanctification as if it were law-keeping — the accumulation of obedient behaviours through moral effort. This produces either pride (if it seems to be working) or despair (when it fails).
Paul's response to the Galatians who were reverting to law-keeping was sharp: "Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3). The same grace that began the Christian life sustains its growth. Sanctification is the Spirit's work; moral effort is the response to grace, not the replacement of it.
The Means of Grace
God has provided specific means through which sanctification occurs — channels through which the Spirit works:
- **The Word of God** — "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
- **Prayer** — communion with God reshapes the heart
- **The Lord's Supper** — participation in Christ's body and blood
- **Community** — the body of Christ, with all its gifts and challenges
- **Suffering** — the trials that produce endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4)