I serve a congregation that would normally be considered spiritually mature. Having said that I am often astounded by the lack of understanding regarding sanctification. The word sanctification is related to the word saint; both words have to do with holiness. To “sanctify” something is to set it apart for special use; to “sanctify” a person is to make him holy. Normally we consider sanctification as the process of becoming more like Christ. This process begins at justification and will find its culmination in glorification.
The dilemma is found in the dynamics as to how this happens. There are usually two extremes:
1. I am sanctified by decisive, deterministic effort through the choices I make; and
2. I am sanctified by God's sovereign grace -- I need to let go, and let God!
Recently I listened to a 3-part instruction by John Piper that is extremely important in clarifying these extremes. You can listen to them online through YouTube:
#1. Become in Experience What You are In Christ.
#2. The Effort Needed to Fight Sin // Living Out Identity in Christ
#3. Evidence of the New Birth // Living Out Identity in Christ
"The already/not yet distinction (referring to things that are already true but not yet fully realized) aids our understanding of how to make sense of the Bible, especially as it depicts the Christian life. The Spirit made us new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and yet we still need to be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1–2). Jesus freed us decisively from sin (Romans 6:6; John 8:36), and yet we still need to put the old man to death (Romans 8:13)." - John Piper
I hope you listen and be refreshed in the truth of Scripture.
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