Living a life of sanctification is a continuous journey of growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ. This process involves both God’s work in us and our active participation. Below, we explore practical steps to live a sanctified life, supported by biblical teachings.

Definition of Sanctification

Sanctification, according to the Bible, is the process of being set apart for God and being made holy. It is both a one-time event and an ongoing process.

1 Corinthians 6:11: “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

This verse illustrates that sanctification is part of the transformation that occurs when we accept Christ, marking us as holy and dedicated to God.

Different Forms of Sanctification

Sanctification can be understood in two primary forms: positional sanctification and progressive sanctification.

1. Positional Sanctification

Positional sanctification refers to our status of being set apart for God at the moment of salvation. It is an accomplished fact because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:10: “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

This signifies that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are declared holy and dedicated to God’s purposes.

2. Progressive Sanctification

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, separating ourselves from sin, and growing in obedience to God.

Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

This verse emphasizes our active role in pursuing holiness while recognizing that it is God who empowers us to grow spiritually.

Steps to Live a Sanctified Life

1. Understand the Foundation of Sanctification

Sanctification begins with understanding that it is God’s will for us to be holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:3: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.”

This verse emphasizes that sanctification is not an optional part of the Christian life but a divine mandate.

2. Abide in Christ

Remain connected to Jesus, who is the source of our holiness.

John 15:4: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

By abiding in Christ through prayer, reading Scripture, and obedience, we receive the strength and guidance needed to grow in holiness.

3. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will.

Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

By seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and yielding to His influence, we can overcome sinful tendencies and cultivate godly character.

4. Renew Your Mind

Transform your thinking by aligning it with God’s truth.

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Regularly studying and meditating on Scripture helps us renew our minds and discern God’s will.

5. Pursue Holiness Actively

Make intentional efforts to avoid sin and cultivate righteousness.

Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”

This pursuit involves daily choices to obey God’s commands and reflect His character in our actions.

6. Practice Confession and Repentance

Regularly confess sins and seek God’s forgiveness.

1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

By regularly confessing our sins and turning away from them, we maintain a close relationship with God and grow in holiness.

7. Engage in Community

Christian community provides support, accountability, and encouragement.

Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being part of a church or small group helps us stay committed to our growth in holiness.

8. Serve Others

Serve others as a practical expression of Christ’s love and humility.

Matthew 20:26-28: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Through acts of service, we embody the selflessness and compassion of Jesus.

9. Persevere in Faith

Remain steadfast in faith, especially during trials.

James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

By trusting God and remaining steadfast in faith, we continue to grow and mature spiritually.

Obstacles to a Life of Sanctification

Living a sanctified life can be challenging due to various obstacles, including:

1. Temptations and Sin

The allure of sin and worldly temptations can hinder our sanctification.

James 1:14-15: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

2. Spiritual Warfare

We face spiritual battles that aim to derail our progress.

Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

3. Lack of Discipline

Inconsistent spiritual practices can weaken our resolve.

1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Separation from What Is Impure

To live a sanctified life, we must separate ourselves from what is impure and dedicate ourselves to God’s purposes.

2 Corinthians 6:17: “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'”

Do you sincerely wish to grow in grace and sanctification? Be careful not to associate, even for an hour, with things that would defile your hands, burden your conscience, grieve the Holy Spirit, and interrupt your communion with God. Be determined with all your heart to abstain from it! Immediately renounce everything that is impure, whatever the cost to you, and abandon it. This does not mean that the believer will achieve some kind of perfection in which they will no longer sin, but it is a commitment to continually pursue holiness and reject sin.

By avoiding sinful influences and pursuing purity, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will and maintain a deeper communion with Him.

Living a life of sanctification is an ongoing journey of becoming more like Christ. It involves abiding in Him, being filled with the Holy Spirit, renewing our minds, pursuing holiness, practicing confession and repentance, engaging in community, serving others, and persevering in faith. Understanding the biblical foundation, recognizing different forms of sanctification, overcoming obstacles, and separating from impurity are all crucial aspects of this journey.

Stay connected to our blog for more insights and encouragement on your sanctification journey. I’ll be sharing more detailed posts and practical tips to help you grow in holiness.

With Love and Faith,

JIL