"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Phil. 3:12).
“Sanctification is an immediate work of the Spirit of God on the souls of believers, purifying and cleansing of their natures from the pollution and uncleanness of sin, renewing in them the image of God, and thereby enabling them, from a spiritual and habitual principle of grace, to yield obedience unto God, according unto the tenor and terms of the new covenant, by virtue of the life and death of Jesus Christ,” John Owen wrote. “Or more briefly, it is the universal renovation of our natures by the Holy Spirit into the image of God, through Jesus Christ.”
Unlike regeneration, which is an immediate, instantaneous act of God, sanctification is a process and consists in holy obedience through faith in Jesus Christ. Like all other aspects of redemption, the process of sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. He vitally and internally changes us, making us holy as He rids us of all remaining corruption. But unlike regeneration, sanctification is a cooperative effort, which means that we are actively involved in the process. We do not simply “let go and let God,” but we actively engage in decisions and actions as the Holy Spirit works in us. Owen commented that “Although our sanctification and growth in holiness be a work of the Holy Spirit, as the efficient cause thereof, yet is it our own work also in a way of duty.”
While carrying out this often difficult duty, we possess a great hope: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). This is the promise to every believer. The Spirit sanctifies us by increasing and strengthening the graces of faith and holiness which we have received. He dwells in us and preserves us by His immediate power. This is why holiness, goodness, faith are all called “fruits of the Spirit.” If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you will produce good fruit. This is why Jesus said that you will know a tree by its fruit. If its root is good, it will produce fruit. Does this mean we never sin? Of course not. That is the whole point of sanctification, to subdue sin and make holy. It’s a life-long process that is filled with struggle and pain, but it is also filled with the promise of eternal life which awaits us at the end of the race.
The New Geneva Study Bible notes that “Regeneration is birth; sanctification is growth.” In what ways are you growing in holiness? How are you not growing in holiness? How can you be more diligent in your duty to be conformed to the image of Christ? Seriously examine yourself before God today. Meditate on 2 Peter 1:5–11.
