The Christian Doctrine of Sanctification
Text Phil 1:3-6; 2:12-16, 1 Thess 5:23-24
Sanctification is the lifelong process of transformation or perfection of the human soul, body, and spirit into the likeness of Jesus Christ for God’s special purpose.
Sanctification involves: 1. The work of God (Phil 2:13) 2. You, doing your part, working out your own salvation ( Phil 2:13). Thus, in everything, try to understand what you must do as God does his part.
God perfects what He begins- Thus, what you do must be from God. It is a waste of time to focus on something that does not come from (e.g., Matt 7:24-27; Acts 5:38-39).
Sanctification is harmed by complaints and grumblings (Phil 2:14-15; 1 Cor 10:1-11)
Understanding sanctification can help you: 1. not to worry in life, 2. it gives you hope that it shall be well, 3. it gives you the right knowledge of what do with your life-purpose.
Some applications of the doctrine of sanctification
Sanctification in creation: God engaged in the process of creating the world until everything was good’ in his sight, and rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1-2).
Sanctification in marriage: marriage is from God, but needs to be worked on by God Himself and the couple. God gives us the means of grace, and we are to put his word into practice.
Sanctification in salvation: salvation of your soul is the work of God with your cooperation (Phil 2:12-13). God gives us the means of grace, and we are to believe (John 3:16).
Sanctification in health: it is God who restores health because He has life in Himself to give us; (Gen 2:7, John 1:4, Mark 8:22-26), we are to live wisely (e.g., 1 Tim 5:23).
Sanctification in life: life gets better, and better through suffering, death, and glorification in Christ Jesus ( Rom 5:3-5; 8:18;28-30).