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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

self-life into subjection to God. We “put to death” that part of us which
rebels against God and holiness. In addition, we try to express the new
life we have received in Christ Jesus. This new life is the new self or new
nature. What Paul calls putting off and putting on (Colossians 3:9–10)
are ongoing experiences in our lives. They are not crisis experiences
that occur once for all in a Christian’s life.

As you examine the scriptural teaching on sanctification, notice
how it touches every area of life and every relationship, both human
and divine:

1. With respect to God, we act with reverence (Proverbs 1:7) and love
toward Him (Matthew 22:37). We joyfully submit to the will of God
and seek to conform our will to His (Hebrews 13:20–21). Furthermore,
we long for fellowship and communion with God (1 John 1:3) and
seek to do everything for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2. As concerns Christ, sanctification results in self-denial as we
acknowledge the Lordship of Christ (Matthew 16:24) and keep
Him before us as our example (1 Peter 2:21). Like Paul, we
strive to be changed into His likeness (Philippians 3:8–10) more
completely each day. Should we fail, however, we may come to
Him for cleansing (1 John 1:9).
3. With respect to the Holy Spirit, sanctification involves living as
the Spirit directs and walking under His control (Romans 8:4–5),
being careful not to grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30) nor suppress
Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
4. As concerns sin, sanctification produces in us a hatred for sin as
well as sorrow for it (Romans 7:24). As His grace operates in us,
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and
to life self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”
(Titus 2:12). It creates in us a desire to be totally free from sin.
5. Finally, in relation to others, sanctification enables us to manifest
the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). As we walk in the Spirit,
He produces the fruit of this relationship.

A number of popular phrases have been used to describe sanctification:
the deeper life, the victorious life, holiness, and a pure heart, among
others. Sanctification does not mean the same thing to all groups. For
example, some groups teach that sanctification is the same as the

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