Page 139 - TH200 Abundant Life A4 Final

Sanctification: The Process of Salvation

Paul speaks of what the Corinthian believers were before they came to
Christ. He reminds them that at the time of their conversion they were
washed, sanctified, and justified (v. 11), which brought about the
necessity and possibility for pure
living. Paul spoke of the washing,
sanctifying, and justifying work in
the past tense, because these actions Believers’ new-birth
were the result of their salvation experience involves
experience. In Colossians 3:1–10, the
apostle linked the believers’ position a new lifestyle
with the finished work of Christ and marked by progress
asserts that this experience must
result in godly living in contrast to in Christlikeness.
their former lifestyle. Their new
lifestyle, their walk according to the
Spirit, is one marked by progress in Christlikeness as they move toward
a more complete knowledge of God.

Our focus on progressive sanctification reveals several features.
First, it is developmental, since the Christian is challenged to become
progressively more Christlike. Second, it is lifelong; it does not lead to
absolute perfection in this life.

Scriptures such as Hebrews 10:14 refer to believers’ positional
sanctification because of their new birth experience. Others, such
as Galatians 3:3 and Colossians 4:12 stress believers’ ongoing
struggle to achieve spiritual maturity. Still others contrast spiritual
immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:15; 14:20) and spiritual maturity
(1 Corinthians 2:6; Matthew 5:48; Colossians 1:22; Philippians 3:12).
These Scriptures teach that perfection (spiritual maturity) is both
positional and progressive. We stand perfect or complete in Christ
because of His gracious provision. And we are counted perfect because
we have a perfect Savior and perfect righteousness. But in our own
experience, we continually strive for perfection (Philippians 3:15–16;
Hebrews 6:1).

In the New Testament we have the command of Jesus to be perfect
(Matthew 5:48). If this refers to sinless perfection, then no one has
reached that position. However, the context shows that Jesus meant for

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