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Being Confident Of This

Grace for the work-in-progress woman

How Sanctification Gives Us Hope ~ So Great a Salvation Series

February 2, 2015 by stultsmamaof4 29 Comments

It’s likely you’ve heard the admonition to “preach the gospel to yourself.” But do you have a practical, systematic way for doing that? What do you say when you preach the gospel to yourself?

The gospel message about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection has the ability to enrich us and make us wealthy in mind and spirit, word and deed (see Colossians 3:16). Yet if we have little grasp on how to effectively let it, we miss out on the power it holds.

Preaching the gospel to ourselves means allowing our thinking, emotions, and responses to daily be shaped by the truth of the gospel.

In this series, we hope to give you practical help in preaching the gospel to yourself. We’ve pulled key gospel concepts and compiled them into a list of words, such as justification, redemption, and sanctification. Don’t let the big words scare you because we’ve explained them!

We’ve also summarized each of these powerful truths in a useable way.

We hope this series will deepen your grasp on the gospel and give you verbiage for what to say when you preach the gospel to yourself.

 

How to use this series:

To begin, read my post below. Then visit each of the links for more gospel words. Take notes while you visit! You may want to bookmark this page because you’ll probably want to come back here often.

Gospel Words:

Justification by Arabah

Sanctification by Jen

Redemption by Rebekah

Reconciliation by Kathy

Regeneration by Marci

Atonement by Leah

Adoption by Kerry

Consecration by Kimberly

Sanctification

In the Old Testament, there is little mention of the word sanctification. In fact, the NIV doesn’t use that particular word at all, while the NASB mentions of sanctification refer to only a single Hebrew word “qadash” (kaw-dash’).

Qadash mostly described objects which were “set apart” for use by God. These were not ordinary objects meant for everyday use, but special items such as those used in the tabernacle by the priests (ceremonial items, the ark of the covenant, etc.). Thus, qadash refers to the uncommon, those things or people (mainly priests) set apart strictly for the Lord.

Big gospel words like sanctification can be slightly intimidating.  Read here to find out why sanctification is so important and how it gives us great hope for today! #gospelwords #faith #biblestudy #sanctiification devotional thought | Christian women | understanding sanctification | identity in Christ | overcoming perfectionism | freedom in Christ | confidence in Christ | spiritual growth | growing in faith

In the New Testament, however, we see a different sort of sanctification. Two Greek words are used by both the NIV and NASB: hagiazo (hag-ee-ad’-zo),  the verb form which means to make holy or to sanctify, and hagiasmos  (hag-ee-as-mos’), the noun form which means sanctification or holiness.  Both words also relate to hagios (hag’-ee-os), the adjective form used to describe us as Christians.

In essence, to sanctify means to make holy.  However, the New Testament version of making holy describes a process, the process by which the common (mankind) is set apart and made uncommon!

 

 

Sanctification broken down into 3 P-words:

  1. Position – In Christ, we are considered sanctified before the Lord. We are already perfect, already uncommon, already complete because of Christ’s blood covering over us. When the Father looks at us, He sees not the work that still needs to be done; instead, He sees only the blood of his perfect Son. The work of positional sanctification takes place the moment we accept God’s free gift of forgiveness through His Son’s death on the cross in payment for our sins. So, for those of us who are in Christ, positional sanctification is in the past – it’s a work already accomplished.
  2. Progress – Although we are positionally perfect in Christ, realistically we know that sin keeps us from perfection. Thus, progressive sanctification refers to the process of growing in Christ-likeness. It is the present and continuing form of sanctification, that work in progress that I speak of so often here.  As we grow in Christ-likeness, His image reflected in us becomes more and more clear!
  3. Perfection – There is also a future component to sanctification. One day, when life on this earth ends for us, we will be made complete in Christ.  At that point in time, the work in progress will be finished!  Sin will mar us no more. We will bear the Father’s image perfectly, and the view God has of us on behalf of His Son will match our true character! Just imagine – no more struggling to do right, no more guilt, no more frustration with self!

 

How sanctification applies to everyday life: 

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

While we know our position in Christ is secure, we recognize the need for continuing change, for progress.  We know we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we allow the Lord to mold us into His image.

Therefore, sanctification is a combination of our willingness to follow Christ in obedience and His powerful work in our lives to free us from sin.  According to the verses above from Romans, we offer our bodies and minds; God transforms them. The evidence of the sanctification process in us? The fruit of the Spirit. 🙂

This quote from J. I. Packer defines it well.

“God’s method of sanctification is neither activism (self-reliant activity) nor apathy (God-reliant passivity), but God-dependent effort (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:10-14; Heb. 12:14).”

The worst thing we can possibly do as Christians is to relegate our Redeemer to the work of salvation, yet bar Him from the work of sanctification.

If we trust Christ for eternity, but not for the day to day, then we limit His power! We fail to find freedom and the abundant life He has planned for us.

My friends, the power of Christ in us is real. His promise to make us into new creations is not just for some distant future when we become complete in Him, but it’s for today! Right now! Moment by moment.

Our Savior came to free us from sin, not just from the guilt of sin, but from the chains of sin itself.

This is the goal of sanctification – freeing us to become whom He meant us to be from the very beginning – His image bearers.

Perfect.

Holy.

Set-apart.

Uncommon.

So we can claim the promise of my life verse, Phil. 1:6, which perfectly sums up the 3 P-words of sanctification. (Key verse to memorize!)

“[B]eing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine)

He began the work (position); He carries it on (progress); He promises completion (perfection).

I’ve been reminded of this truth often this winter. There comes a time in the Midwest when the landscape becomes a palette of brownish gray dead things.  The grass is dead. The trees are dead. And unless there is fresh snow, the roads become ugly gray muck.

At some point, it seems as if spring will never come.

What is sanctification and why does it matter?  Read here to find out why sanctification is so important and how it gives us great hope for today! #gospelwords #faith #biblestudy #sanctiification devotional thought | Christian women | understanding sanctification | identity in Christ | overcoming perfectionism | freedom in Christ | confidence in Christ | spiritual growth | growing in faith

But as I looked out our window the other day, I noticed a tree that was budding.  Even beneath the snow, you could see the slight redness of the buds. Although the tree looked dead, important work was taking place beneath the surface of what I first saw.

Growth.

And in several weeks, we will see the fully glory of that work when all of nature bursts forth in colorful re-birth.

Spring.

New Life.

Hope.

As I contemplated these things, the Lord reminded me of how often this scenario plays out in my own spiritual landscape.  At times, it seems my progress is stunted – there is too much “deadness” about me, too much sin.  I see only gray and become easily overwhelmed and discouraged.

But beneath the surface, He is doing important work in me. I may not see all of the fruits of sanctification yet, but they will come! And when they do, they will be glorious to behold!

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by your own sin, stuck in a rut, doomed to failure – preach the gospel truth of sanctification to yourself.

“I am God’s work in progress. As such, I aim not for perfection but for imperfect progress (growth and transformation), only by the power of Christ in me. In the meantime, I trust His promise to carry that work to completion.”

This, my friends, this is the hope of sanctification.

Jen 🙂

Sharing with: Grace and Truth, Wholehearted Wednesdays, The Homemaking Party, Wholehearted Wednesdays, A Little R and R

Filed Under: Christianity, Women of Faith Tagged With: Biblical truth, Christ-centered living, Christian Women, Confidence, Gospel Truths, gospel words, Identity in Christ, preaching the gospel to yourself, salvation, Sanctification, work in progress

Comments

  1. Arabah Joy says

    February 2, 2015 at 05:03

    Thanks for breaking this down so clearly, Jen. This is so very helpful and Philippians 1:6 is perfect for memorization. Great job!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 2, 2015 at 08:56

      Thanks, Arabah Joy! I can’t wait to read the other posts, too! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Leah Adams (@PointMinistries) says

    February 2, 2015 at 06:04

    Jen, oh my goodness, what a great post. I loved how you developed the 3 Ps of Sanctification, and how beautifully Philippians 1:6 typifies them. This is such important information for all Christians, but especially those who believe that they just can’t ever get this faith stuff right. Bless you, friend.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 2, 2015 at 08:59

      Thank you, Leah! I know the weight of discouragement, and am just now understanding, after all these years to look for progress, not perfection. I hope others can learn the same!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rebekah says

    February 2, 2015 at 07:39

    Jen, I was so blessed by this post. I’ve read studies like these before and I’ve walked away scratching my head, feeling like I was stuck in theology and not sure which way to go. You’ve explained it so clearly and, yes, provided hope through the study. Thank you for sharing this with us!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 2, 2015 at 09:01

      Oh, I’m so relieved to know it came across, Becky! At first, I felt like it sounded too much like a paper for college, haha. It was the Lord who helped me bring it together because I sure was praying!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  4. marciferrell says

    February 2, 2015 at 08:09

    Jen I so appreciated your post and the reminder to us all that we are a work in progress and He will complete the work He is doing in us for His glory.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 2, 2015 at 09:04

      It’s such a relief, isn’t it, Marci? I can rest and find peace in that assurance! I’m so glad you joined with us for the series and look forward to reading your post, too!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  5. Kimberly D. Henderson says

    February 2, 2015 at 09:03

    I love this SO much. This is a gospel truth I have to preach to myself CONTINUALLY. And I love how you have broken it all down here. Love the 3 P’s of sanctification. So much hope from His Word shared here, Jen! Beautifully done. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 2, 2015 at 09:07

      Me, too, Kimberly – continually! Thank you for the encouraging words. I’m so excited to see how the Lord will use this series and thankful for a great group of ladies to join together with!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  6. Tammy Provins says

    February 2, 2015 at 18:53

    Yes, a work in progress. Thank you, Jen, for your encouraging words and the three P’s, a great reminder in our daily walk with Jesus. Bless you, Tammy

    Reply
  7. Kathy Schwanke says

    February 2, 2015 at 20:35

    This beautiful truth definitely keeps us in confidence and speaks of ongoing deepening relationship with God. The wonder!!! And how I long for that day when I will be absent from flesh…and all the pain of my own weaknesses. And how grateful I am for the love that covers my sin every single day.

    Great job of encouraging us to live in the light of “I am His” and “He’s got me”!!!

    Reply
  8. Dory says

    February 3, 2015 at 11:58

    Amen, Jen! Colossians 2 verse 27b: CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY!!!!!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 3, 2015 at 20:19

      Yes, Dory! Thanks for leaving some encouragement here.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  9. confessions1rst says

    February 3, 2015 at 13:40

    Loved it! It’s like a Bible study right before I got out of bed. Thank you! I pinned it and will definitely review it through out the day.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 3, 2015 at 20:20

      Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lori Alexander says

    February 3, 2015 at 14:18

    Wonderful words! I live by the verse about being transformed by renewing our minds with Truth! I love spending time in God’s Word and meditating upon in it so it goes deeply into my heart!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 3, 2015 at 20:22

      Thank you, Lori! Time in the Word is definitely necessary for growth!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  11. lperkowski says

    February 4, 2015 at 20:21

    Jen, great stuff here! Thank you for breaking down a big and confusing word into easy to understand language!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 4, 2015 at 21:36

      Thanks, Laura! It’s been a privilege to be part of this series. I’ve just really enjoyed it.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  12. Holly Brown says

    February 11, 2015 at 20:39

    I’m a theology junkie & I FREAKIN’ LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I so wish I was a part of it (as a writer, not just a reader) but I’m thankful for your work on making Sanctification easy to understand. You’r awesome, Jen and I’m thankful you linked it with Grace & Truth as well!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 11, 2015 at 22:08

      Aw, Holly, your comment warms my heart! If we hadn’t planned it before Grace and Truth, I’m sure you would have been invited! 😉 Maybe we can all collaborate on a similar series? Sounds like fun to me!

      Reply
  13. FuturePatcher says

    February 12, 2015 at 12:19

    Great post! As I read it, I was reminded of the parable in Mark 4:28. “First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear”. Though all of us are in our own place in the process of sanctification, we are all perfect in Christ. Like a plant is never imperfect because it is still growing. It is perfect in its stage of growth.

    I also loved what you said here : “Our Savior came to free us from sin, not just from the guilt of sin, but from sin itself. This is the goal of sanctification – freeing us to become whom He meant us to be from the very beginning – His image bearers.”

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 12, 2015 at 18:06

      Oooo, I love the comparison to a plant being perfect for its stage of growth. What an awesome way to think about it! Thanks for stopping by!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  14. Jeneen says

    January 30, 2016 at 12:07

    Love this post! Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us the 3 Ps to help us remember the Sanctification process. I am just now starting my own blog and I want to share your link with my readers as well. May God bless you and your family!

    Reply
  15. jenny says

    February 2, 2016 at 13:31

    Hi! Jen, can you tell me where you found that J.I. Packer quote? I’d love to read more. And I would love to share some of your words with some teachers here at our church. How should I quote you? (I can’t find your last name anywhere.) Great, great help here! Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      February 8, 2016 at 02:48

      Hi, Jenny, I believe that Packer quote came from a bible study I was doing at the time. I’d have to do some more research on that since it’s been a while since I wrote this. 🙂 As far as sharing the words here, I would love for you to do that. I do ask that you mention they came from this blog, Being Confident of This. My last name is Stults. Thanks for stopping by!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. God is Love | Lessons Of Love says:
    January 30, 2016 at 17:58

    […] Check out Jen’s Post on “How Sanctification Gives Us Hope” […]

    Reply
  2. The Worthy One ~ Revelation 5 says:
    June 6, 2016 at 00:55

    […] teach from those two verses for quite a while. It is the story of atonement and redemption and sanctification. Jesus did the work of salvation, and because of His work, He is worthy to possess and open the […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jen: a work in progress. I'm imperfect - a mom of four, pastor's wife, discipler, and sinner saved only by grace. I like to sing, read, write, teach, and smile. I have a heart for encouraging women everywhere to understand God's limitless love for them and what His grace means for everyday living. Welcome! :) Read More…

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