Question of the Week
In recent readings by Wayne Grudem, he brought to my attention that we have a role in our own sanctification. I had never seen that before. What does our role in our own sanctification look like?
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but 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 work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6
It is helpful to define the terms used to discuss our walk with God. I am currently in a book club reading Holiness by J.C. Ryle, and it provides excellent teaching on the subject. Justification is solely the work of God on our behalf, and glorification is another work done solely by God on our behalf when this world as we know it ends, and our bodies are made perfect by God.
Justification is the reckoning and counting a man to be righteous for the sake of another, even Jesus Christ the Lord… It is not our own righteousness, but the everlasting perfect righteousness of our great Mediator Christ, imputed to us, and made our own by faith.
Holiness by J.C. Ryle (41)
Sanctification is that inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Spirit, when he calls him to be a true believer. He not only washes him from his sins in his own blood, but he also separates him from his natural love of sin and the world, puts a new principle in his heart, and makes him practically godly in life. The instrument by which the Sprit effects this work is generally the Word of God, though he sometimes uses afflictions and providential visitations ‘without the word’ (1 Peter 3:1). The subject of this work of Christ by his Spirit is called in Scripture a ‘sanctified’ man.
Holiness by J.C. Ryle (22)
However, in the time between justification and glorification, sanctification is a lifelong process of growing in our spiritual walk with God. Ryle points to Scripture to show us how increasing in sanctification is the result of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer and convicting the believer concerning sin.
Sanctification is our own righteousness imparted, inherent, and wrought in us by the Holy Sprit, but mingled with much infirmity and imperfection.
Holiness by J.C. Ryle (41)
The Holy Spirit is in every believer, and this is a miracle. However, it is not a takeover that immediately produces a perfectly holy life. We are sanctified upon conversion as a direct result of the work of God alone, but sanctification is progressive for the rest of our lives and depends both on our work and God’s work. We are still humans who fight our sinful desires until we are made perfect in heaven. The desire to be more sanctified is a desire put on our hearts by God. It is a precursor to heaven, where we will worship God without hindrance. We know that our works do not save us. And we will never arrive at perfection on our own. I see our works of obedience to all of God’s instruction as our opportunity to show to all that we were sincere when we surrendered our life to Christ’s Lordship. At that moment of submission and faith, we are justified and sealed by God with the Holy Spirit, ensuring that we will never lose this covenant relationship.
In the plan of salvation revealed in the Bible, beyond doubt God the Father chooses, God the Son redeems, and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies every member of Christ’s mystical body.
Holiness by J.C. Ryle (290)
Ryle points out that sanctification is outward evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in the believer. However, if a Christian is not acting in a holy manner, this is the fault of the believer. Ryle reasons, “On whom can they throw the blame if they are not sanctified, but themselves? God, who has given them grace and a new heart, and a new nature, has deprived them of all excuse if they do not live for his praise” (Ryle, 27). Therefore, the believer has the responsibility to continue growing more like Christ. Man cannot become more justified, but a believer does grow in love for God and increases in sanctification rather than remaining static in personal holiness. Increasing in sanctification comes through man’s diligence to keep “Bible-reading, private prayer, regular attendance on public worship, regular hearing of God’s Word, and regular reception of the Lord’s Supper” (Ryle, 28). These are the “channels through which the Holy Spirit conveys fresh supplies of grace to the soul, and strengthens the work which He has begun in the inward man”(Ryle, 28).
Ryle writes a lot to challenge the believer who sees sanctification as too much hard work. Why would we look forward to heaven if we do not want to live in purity on earth?
Additional Resources
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