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Progressive Sanctification: Understanding the Process of Spiritual Growth – Viral Believer
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Progressive Sanctification: Understanding the Process of Spiritual Growth

Progressive sanctification is a key concept in the Christian faith, particularly among those who identify as Charismatic Christians. At its core, progressive sanctification is the process by which believers grow and mature in their faith, becoming more like Christ over time.

This process is ongoing and lifelong, and it requires a commitment to spiritual growth and development.

According to the Bible, progressive sanctification is a natural outgrowth of salvation. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are forgiven of their sins and granted eternal life. However, the process of sanctification goes beyond mere forgiveness.

It involves the transformation of the believer’s heart, mind, and soul, as they are gradually conformed to the image of Christ. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:29, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (NKJV).

For Charismatic Christians, progressive sanctification is often seen as a key aspect of the Christian life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to grow and mature in their faith, developing a deeper understanding of God’s will and purpose for their lives.

This process requires a willingness to submit to God’s leading and to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Ultimately, the goal of progressive sanctification is to become more like Christ and to fulfill God’s purposes in the world.

What is Progressive Sanctification?

Definition

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and transformation that begins at the moment of salvation and continues until we reach our ultimate destination in heaven.

Biblical Basis

The Bible teaches that we are justified by faith alone in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:28), and that this justification is a one-time event that takes place at the moment of salvation. However, the Bible also teaches that sanctification is a process that takes place over the course of a believer’s lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

The Apostle Paul speaks extensively about sanctification in his letters to the early church. He emphasizes that sanctification is not simply a matter of moral change or behavioral modification, but rather a spiritual renewal that begins in the heart and extends to every aspect of our lives (2 Corinthians 7:1).

The Process of Progressive Sanctification

Progressive sanctification involves a number of different elements, including:

  • Reading and studying the Word of God
  • Giving ourselves to prayer and fellowship with other believers
  • Pursuing holiness and godliness
  • Striving to overcome our sin nature and live in obedience to God’s commands
  • Separating ourselves from the world and its values
  • Declaring our faith in Christ and our commitment to follow Him
  • Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

As we engage in these practices, we will experience spiritual growth and transformation. Our habits and attitudes will change, and we will become more like Christ in our behavior and character.

Positional Sanctification and Progressive Sanctification

It is important to distinguish between positional sanctification and progressive sanctification. Positional sanctification refers to the fact that believers are declared to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes at the moment of salvation. This is a one-time work of God, and it is not based on our own efforts or merit (Hebrews 10:10).

Progressive sanctification, on the other hand, is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is based on our ongoing cooperation with God’s work in us, and it involves both our own effort and God’s power working in us (Philippians 2:13).

The Goal of Progressive Sanctification

The ultimate goal of progressive sanctification is to prepare us for our future in heaven. When we die, our souls will be immediately present with the Lord, but our bodies will remain in the grave until the resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:8).

At that time, our bodies will be transformed into glorified bodies that are fit for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

In the meantime, we are called to live holy and righteous lives, knowing that we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are to strive for moral purity and good works, not to earn our salvation, but as a response to the grace and love that God has shown us (Titus 2:11-14).

Progressive sanctification is a key aspect of the Christian life, and it is a process that we must all engage in if we are to grow in our faith and become more like Christ.

As we read and study the Word of God, pray and fellowship with other believers, and pursue holiness and godliness, we will experience spiritual growth and transformation that will prepare us for our future in heaven.

The Process of Progressive Sanctification

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The process of progressive sanctification is a lifelong journey that every believer must undertake. It is a process by which the Holy Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ.

The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in this process, as He is the one who empowers us to live a holy life. In John 16:13, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth, and this includes the truth about our sanctification.

The Holy Spirit works in us to give us the desire and power to obey God’s commands. He convicts us of sin and empowers us to resist temptation. As believers, we must yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading and allow Him to work in us.

We must also cultivate a close relationship with Him through prayer, reading the Word, and fellowship with other believers.

The Role of the Believer

While the Holy Spirit plays a significant role in our sanctification, we also have a responsibility to cooperate with Him. We must choose to obey God’s commands and resist sin.

We must also renew our minds with the Word of God and put off our old sinful nature. As we do this, we will begin to see moral change and spiritual renewal in our lives.

The apostle Paul exhorted believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV). This means that we must take an active role in our sanctification, striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.

As believers, we have been declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ. However, our condition is not yet perfect, and we must consecrate ourselves to God and strive for holiness.

We must separate ourselves from the world and pursue holiness in every area of our lives. This is a consistent, ongoing process that takes place over the course of our lifetime.

In conclusion, the process of progressive sanctification is a work of God in the believer’s life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. However, believers also have a responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and pursue holiness in every area of their lives.

As we do this, we will experience spiritual growth and transformation, and we will be conformed to the image of Christ.

The Importance of Progressive Sanctification

Benefits of Progressive Sanctification

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a vital aspect of the Christian life, and there are several benefits to pursuing it.

Firstly, progressive sanctification helps us to grow in our relationship with God. As we become more like Christ, we are better able to understand His character and will for our lives. This leads to a deeper intimacy with Him and a greater sense of purpose.

Secondly, progressive sanctification helps us to overcome sin and temptation. As we grow in holiness, we become more aware of our weaknesses and more reliant on God’s strength. This enables us to resist temptation and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Thirdly, progressive sanctification helps us to become better witnesses for Christ. As we reflect His character more fully, others are drawn to Him through us. Our lives become a testimony to His grace and power.

Practical Implications

Practically speaking, there are several things we can do to pursue progressive sanctification. Firstly, we must be intentional about spending time with God. This includes reading His Word, praying, and meditating on His truth. We must also be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us in our daily decisions.

Secondly, we must be willing to deal with sin in our lives. This involves confessing our sins to God and seeking His forgiveness, as well as making any necessary changes in our behavior.

Thirdly, we must be committed to growing in community with other believers. This includes attending church, participating in small groups, and seeking accountability from others.

Conclusion

In summary, progressive sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It helps us to grow in our relationship with God, overcome sin and temptation, and become better witnesses for Christ. By being intentional about pursuing it, we can experience the fullness of life that God has for us.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.