Hello there! So I thought it might be helpful to define what sanctification actually is. I realized I tried to encourage you guys to pursue it but what exactly is it? Sanctification starts when someone is saved. It is a spirit enabled salvation that happens when someone believes in Christ. This is called Positional Sanctification.

When I say the means of sanctification, I’m talking about progressive sanctification; the means by which we become more holy and like Christ every day. It is a pursuit that we strive for, toil for, and struggle with. Become more like Christ is hard; it’s impossible! So why should we strive for sanctification and becoming more like Christ every day of our lives?

By striving for Sanctification, we mean that the  believer is working toward a goal. To become more like Christ. Philippians 2:12 says “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, 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.” This goal is not totally dependent upon the believer. It is working in conjunction with the Spirit.

1. We do it becomes the Bible Commands it. We are to work out our salvation

It is our new desire. The Bible is clear that before we had an old life. A life that was subject to the power of sin, the flesh, the pride of life and the lust of the eyes. Now we have a new life in Christ and our heart has changed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Indeed we are new! New creations living for Him.

2. Our new desires in Christ should propel us to live for him and His glory

3. We want to remain in fellowship with God through our love

Sin separates us from God. The Spirit can be quench, be resisted, and grieved. Obedience stems from a love of God. 1 John 2:3 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him.” If we love God we will keep his commandments!

4. We delight in the Word of God

Being in the Word renews our mind and produces obedience because the Word sanctifies. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

5. We want to set an example to an unbelieving World for the Gospel

We want the Gospel message to be heard and demonstrate that it has radically transformed us. 1 Timothy 4:16 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” We need to set an example for believers and the world so the Gospel message is proclaimed by our actions.

6. We are eternally grateful and look forward to the blessed hope of Christ who we will give an account to one day.

Gratitude produces obedience. Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

7. Obedience produces blessing from God, brings assurance of salvation, and propels further obedience

There’s something about setting a pattern of obedience. Obeying makes obeying more easier. It’ almost as if we are practicing obedience and doing it spurs on more obedience.

8. We trust in the Promises of God

Having a clear perspective on why we strive for holiness will ignite more holiness. In order to live for His glory we must be saved. I hope this perspective of living for Him was helpful. Again, I don’t believe the Christian life can be lived alone. I know what it’s like to go to a church and have zero friends. To feel like an outcast. To feel like you are  doing it all alone. Relationships take time. Forming meaningful friendships take a lot of time. We aren’t Christians on Sunday and Worldly the rest of the week. Being Christian is giving 100% every day. What is your identity? A basketball player isn’t a professional basketball player just on game days. He’s working every single day; he was able to get to that level because of the dedication he had. I hope this post was helpful. I remember being so lost when I first became a Christian. Directional living and knowing why you are doing it sets your life on a path toward the goal. It steers the ship in the right direction, getting to the destination that was predetermined beforehand. Let these insights be a blessing!