Your Sanctification Is The Will of God Understanding God’s Desire for Holiness in Your LifeThe concept of sanctification holds significant importance in Christian theology. It refers to the process of being made holy, set apart, and transformed into the image of Christ. Sanctification is not merely a theological idea but a practical aspect of Christian living. As believers, understanding that your sanctification is the will of God brings clarity to God’s desire for us to live righteous lives. This topic explores the meaning of sanctification, its role in the Christian faith, and how believers can align their lives with God’s will to live a life of holiness.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the process through which believers are progressively made holy, set apart for God’s purposes, and transformed into the likeness of Christ. This process is not instantaneous but occurs over time, as believers grow in their faith and strive to live in accordance with God’s commands. Sanctification involves both a positional aspect and a practical aspect.
1. Positional Sanctification
Positional sanctification refers to the believer’s standing before God after accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, believers are declared righteous in God’s sight. This is a one-time act that happens when someone places their faith in Jesus. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 611, 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. At the moment of salvation, believers are set apart as holy in God’s eyes, not because of their own efforts but because of what Christ has done for them.
2. Progressive Sanctification
Progressive sanctification, on the other hand, refers to the ongoing process in which believers grow in holiness and reflect Christ more in their daily lives. This process continues throughout the believer’s life and involves the work of the Holy Spirit, as well as the believer’s cooperation. The apostle Paul encourages believers to pursue holiness in 1 Thessalonians 43, where it says, For this is the will of God, your sanctification that you should abstain from sexual immorality.
The Will of God Your Sanctification
The phrase Your sanctification is the will of God is a powerful statement found in 1 Thessalonians 43. It clearly communicates that God’s will for believers is to grow in holiness. This doesn’t mean that Christians should expect to become sinless or perfect in this life, but rather that they should constantly strive to align their lives with God’s purposes.
1. God’s Desire for Holiness
God’s will is that every believer becomes more like Christ. Holiness is at the heart of God’s plan for His people. The process of sanctification is a reflection of God’s holiness, and as His children, believers are called to imitate Him. In 1 Peter 115-16, the Bible commands believers to be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ Holiness is not optional; it is a command for all believers, and it is only through the process of sanctification that this holiness can be realized in our lives.
2. Living Out Sanctification in Daily Life
Sanctification is not just about spiritual growth in isolation but about living out the will of God in every area of life. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming our attitudes, actions, and desires. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ in our relationships, work, and how we live in the world. This involves making choices that align with God’s word, avoiding sinful behavior, and actively seeking to live according to God’s moral will.
Sanctification also calls believers to pursue righteousness. While sin remains a part of the believer’s life due to the fallen nature of humanity, the work of sanctification involves fighting against sin and striving to live according to God’s commandments. This requires daily effort, prayer, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
How to Pursue Sanctification
Although sanctification is a work of God, believers are called to actively pursue it in their lives. This is a process that requires effort and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. There are several ways believers can participate in their sanctification
1. Prayer and Surrender
The process of sanctification begins with prayer and a willingness to surrender to God’s will. Believers should regularly pray for the strength to overcome sin and for the Holy Spirit to guide them in their pursuit of holiness. In Romans 121-2, Paul urges believers to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. Study the Word of God
The Bible is the primary source of knowledge about God’s will and commands. Through the regular study of Scripture, believers gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and how they should live. The Word of God reveals the moral principles that guide believers toward holiness. As believers meditate on the Scriptures, they can better discern right from wrong and align their actions with God’s desires.
3. Obedience to God’s Commands
Sanctification is closely linked to obedience. When believers obey God’s commands, they demonstrate their commitment to living a holy life. Jesus said in John 1415, If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Obedience is not about following rules but about expressing love for God and participating in His work of sanctification in our lives.
4. Accountability and Fellowship
Being part of a community of believers is another essential aspect of sanctification. Fellowship with other Christians provides accountability, encouragement, and support. Believers can learn from one another, pray together, and hold each other accountable in their pursuit of holiness. In Hebrews 1024-25, the Bible encourages believers to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the process of sanctification. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers believers to live according to God’s will. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, sanctification would be impossible. Jesus promised in John 1426 that the Holy Spirit would be sent to teach and guide believers in truth. The Spirit convicts believers of sin, empowers them to overcome temptation, and leads them into greater holiness.
1. Conviction of Sin
One of the key roles of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is to convict believers of sin. When we fall short of God’s glory, the Holy Spirit brings awareness of our wrongdoing, encouraging us to repent and turn back to God. This conviction is not meant to condemn but to guide believers toward righteousness.
2. Empowerment for Holiness
The Holy Spirit also empowers believers to live holy lives. In our own strength, we are incapable of living according to God’s perfect standard. However, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, believers are equipped to overcome sin and live in a manner that pleases God. The Spirit’s work in us allows us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and self-control, which are all evidence of sanctification.
Conclusion Living Out God’s Will for Your Life
Your sanctification is the will of God is not just a theological concept, but a guiding principle for Christian living. God desires for all believers to be made holy, reflecting His image in their lives. Through the process of sanctification, Christians are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and they grow in their ability to live according to God’s will. By actively pursuing holiness, believers can experience deeper intimacy with God and live a life that honors Him.
In every area of life, from relationships to personal struggles, the will of God is that believers be sanctified. It is through this ongoing process that Christians become more like Christ and fulfill God’s divine purposes for their lives.