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Sanctification: A progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives[1]
Sanctification—specifically progressive sanctification—is the cooperative work of God and Christians by which ongoing transformation into greater Christlikeness occurs.[2]
In this process of sanctification, three points come into focus: The Holy Spirit is highlighted as the person of the Triune God especially responsible for sanctification. The Word of God is emphasized as the instrument through which sanctification occurs. And the community of faith is the context in which sanctification flourishes.[3]
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JUSTIFICATION AND SANCTIFICATION
Justification
Legal standing
Once for all time
Entirely God’s work
Perfect in this life
The same in all Christians
Sanctification
Internal condition
Continuous through life
We cooperate
Not perfect in this life
Greater in some than in others
THREE STAGES OF SANCTIFICATION
SANCTIFICATION HAS A DEFINITE BEGINNING AT REGENERATION
A definite moral change occurs in our lives at the point of regeneration. This is the beginning of our sanctification.
SANCTIFICATION INCREASES THROUGHOUT LIFE
Our growing into Christlikeness.
SANCTIFICATION IS COMPLETED AT DEATH (FOR OUR SOULS) AND WHEN THE LORD RETURNS (FOR OUR BODIES)
Once we die and go to be with the Lord, then our sanctification is completed in one sense, for our souls are set free from indwelling sin and are made perfect.
But sanctification involves the whole person, body and soul, so sanctification is not completed until the Lord returns, and we receive our new resurrection bodies.
[1] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 1523.
[2] Gregg R. Allison, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2018), 265.
[3] Gregg R. Allison, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2018), 267.
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