A simple yet profound definition of sanctification is the life-long process of becoming more and more like Jesus. Some pseudo-Christian groups teach that believers will actually becomes like Jesus… like a god to rule over your own world, but I’m talking about becoming more and more Christ-like in our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and habits.
Salvation comes to a person is multiple ways. Notice I did not say that there are multiple ways to be saved! When someone decides to commit themselves to Jesus and become a follower of Christ, he is saved from every sin he has ever committed, and will ever commit. This is justification (becoming just as if I’d never sinned). Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ and then glorification occurs when we finally see Jesus face to face, basically when we make it to heaven. There, we will finally be able to not sin! Three facets of one salvation. So in answering the question of my salvation, I can honestly say, “Yes, partly and no.”
So what biblical support can I give that growing in faith and godliness is the right thing for a follower of Christ to do?
- Peter tells us to keep growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ – 2 Peter 3:18
- We should not be content to remain immature in the faith, which was the case for many early believers – Hebrews 5:12-14
- God works in us (through His word) to bring us to spiritual maturity (to sanctify us) – John 17:17, Colossians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:2-3, Psalm 119:11, 119:105
- The Bible is the source of our faith and practice, to correct us, train us and equip us for every good work – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of the word of God – John 14:25-26
- The word of God is immeasurable effective in bringing growth – Hebrew 4:12
- We are to be like a runner in a race, pressing on and continuing toward our goal – Philippians 3:12-14
- We are to rid ourselves of everything that hinders us from movement toward the goal – Hebrews 12:1
- We are to fix out eyes on Jesus because of what He has done for us – Hebrew s12:2
- We are to train ourselves to be godly, like an athlete trains for his sport – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
- We are encouraged to put much effort into living a godly life – 2 Peter 3:14
- We are to abide in Christ so that we may bear much fruit – John 15:5
- We are to become imitators of Christ – 1 John 2:6
- Peter tells us many Christ-like virtues – 2 Peter 1:5-9
- We should be motivated to grow in our faith, after all Christ did for us – 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Romans 12:1-2
- God uses His word to revive our soul, make us wise, give us joy, and much more – Psalm 19:7-8
- God requires that we keep working toward our salvation (not to earn grace but to demonstrate faith), and He works in us by His word and His Spirit – Philippians 2:12-13
- God is graciously transforming every Christian into the likeness of His Son – 2 Corinthians 3:18
It is amazing to me that someone could pray a prayer, come to Christ, receive His salvation and yet not commit to God wholeheartedly enough to eliminate sin and ungodliness from their life, and be content to remain a “baby” Christian until they die. To me, it seems like a situation of premature death.
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