Sanctification holds a central place in the Christian faith, a topic often discussed within the context of church communities and deeply embedded in the pages of the Bible. In this article, we aim to explore the intricacies of sanctification and its profound significance in the life of a believer.
Positional Holiness: At its core, sanctification commences with a divine proclamation of holiness by God, a moment that coincides with our conversion. This aspect of sanctification is often referred to as "positional holiness." It closely intertwines with the concept of justification. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we gain the ability for God to perceive us as adorned in the righteousness of Christ. The point of salvation marks the declaration of our holiness, even though we remain imperfect. This positional holiness sets us on the right course as we embark on our faith journey.
Actual Holiness: While positional holiness is declared instantaneously, the path to actual holiness is a lifelong expedition. It entails daily growth and metamorphosis. Perfection is not expected immediately; instead, our goal is to steadily become more Christ-like with each passing day. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14, underscores the notion of continuous progress and the pursuit of greater God-pleasing conduct. This transformative process is facilitated by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to triumph over sinful desires and lead a life in accordance with God's Word.
Final Holiness (Glorification): The ultimate facet of sanctification is known as glorification. It is the hopeful anticipation of perfection that believers eagerly await as they reach their eternal union with God. Upon the second coming of Christ, believers will experience a profound transformation, acquiring a steadfast character of holiness that is beyond the grasp of imperfection. This is a source of hope that underscores the ultimate objective of our faith.
Defining Terms: Before we delve deeper into the dimensions of sanctification, it is essential to grasp the meanings of key terms related to this concept. Sanctification, holiness, dedication, consecration, and saint all revolve around the notion of separation. Sanctification entails being set apart from sin, wholly devoted to God, and actively engaged in devout worship and service to Him.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit assumes a pivotal role in the sanctification process. He empowers believers to suppress the deeds of the flesh and live in harmony with the Spirit. The struggle between the old sinful nature and the indwelling Holy Spirit forms the crux of this journey. Believers are summoned to collaborate with the Holy Spirit in the processes of purification and consecration. It signifies a dynamic partnership between the active involvement of the believer and the transformative work of the Spirit.
In summary, sanctification represents a multifaceted odyssey that begins with positional holiness upon conversion, progresses through the pursuit of actual holiness via daily growth and transformation, and culminates in glorification as we reach the conclusion of our earthly existence. The Holy Spirit serves as our guiding force throughout this journey, assisting us in our endeavor to become more Christ-like. As believers, we are called to embrace the call to holiness and endeavor to attain "unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, reaching a mature state and attaining the full measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).