Progressive sanctification is the process Christians experience where the Holy Spirit works in us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2) to make us more like Jesus, where we put to death the deeds of the flesh, and we resist sin. It is progressive in that it is an ongoing process throughout our entire lives. It can be difficult at times, but it is always good. As Christians, we want to honor our Lord, serve Him in truth and in love, and turn away from unrighteousness. In this, progressive sanctification is good and biblical. But is that any different than just sanctification? Yes and no. Basically, sanctification is being set apart for holy use. Progressive sanctification is how that “being set apart” works itself out in our lives. But they are often used interchangeably.
“sanctification (Gr. hagiasmos, Lat. sanctificatio) The process or result of God’s continuing work in Christian believers through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Protestant theology this occurs after justification and is growth in grace and holiness of life marked by good works.” (McKim, Donald K.. The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Second Edition: Revised and Expanded (pp. 279-280). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition.)
“Sanctification is the ongoing supernatural work of God to rescue justified sinners from the disease of sin and to conform them to the image of his Son: holy, Christlike, and empowered to do good works.” (Ward, Mark, Jessica Parks, Brannon Ellis, and Todd Hains, eds. 2018. Lexham Survey of Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)
So you can see that sanctification is work of the power the Holy Spirit and occurs after justification (being declared legally righteous according to the Law, Romans 3:28; 5:1; Phil. 3:9).
“Progressive sanctification is the ongoing work of God’s grace whereby He enables believers to put sin to death in their lives and conforms them more and more to the image of Christ.” (https://www.ligonier.org/guides/sanctification)
“Progressive sanctification is a process by which the Spirit produces in believers a gradual increase likeness to Christ. It is a life long process.” (https://www.preceptaustin.org/progressive-sanctification)
Sanctification
The Bible speaks of sanctification a lot and in different senses. Following is a brief categorization of some of the usages.
- The seventh day of creation was sanctified (Genesis 2:3; Neh. 13:22; Ezek. 44:24)
- The firstborn of people and animals were sanctified to the Lord (Exodus 13:2; Num. 3:13)
- God is one who sanctifies people (Exodus 31:13; Lev. 20:8; Ezek. 20:12; 1 Thess. by: 23)
- The Lord is sanctified among people (Lev. 22:32)
- God sanctifies himself (Ezek. 38:23)
- God’s name was sanctified (Isaiah 29:23)
- God sanctified Israel (Ezek. 37:28)
- People can sanctify themselves (2 Chron. 5:11; 35:6; Isaiah 66:17; John 17:17)
- Gold could be sanctified (Matt. 23:17)
- Offerings can be sanctified (Matt. 23:19)
- Jesus was sanctified (John 10:36)
- Jesus sanctified Himself (John 17:19)
- People can be sanctified (John 17:19; Acts 20:32)
- People can be sanctified in Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; Heb. 10:10; 13:12)
- People can be sanctified by faith in Jesus (acts 26:18)
- Being righteous results in sanctification (Romans 6:19)
- The Holy Spirit sanctifies (Romans 15:16; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2)
- Husbands and wives can be sanctified through each other (1 Cor. 7:14)
- God desires our signification and abstinence from sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4:3)
- Those sanctified are prepared for good works (2 Tim. 2:21)
As you can see, signification is a varied topic in Scripture. It is important in the Christian life and we should seek to be more holy on a daily basis so that we can please God, glorify God and be used by him. He sanctifies us because of the work of Christ. And our faith in Him further enables us to serve Him. Furthermore, the work of God in us results in more of our sanctification so we can be more like Christ in heart, attitude, and deed.
