A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding
The Christian Journey of Transformation
Introduction: The Eternal Question of the Journey
Every parent knows the familiar refrain that echoes from the backseat during long car trips: “Are we there yet?” This simple question, born from childlike impatience and anticipation, reveals something profound about human nature—our innate desire to reach our destination, to arrive at our intended goal, to finally be where we’re supposed to be. For the Christian believer, this question takes on eternal significance when applied to the spiritual journey of sanctification. As we travel the winding road of faith, we too find ourselves asking, “Are we there yet? Have we arrived at the holiness God desires? Are we finally the people He intends us to be?”
The answer, both comforting and challenging, is that sanctification is not a destination we reach in this life, but rather the very road we travel. It is the journey itself—a lifelong process of transformation, growth, and increasing conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Like a master artisan carefully sculpting a masterpiece, God works patiently and persistently in the lives of His people, chiseling away the rough edges of sin and shaping us into vessels fit for His use.
This comprehensive exploration of Christian sanctification will guide us through the theological landscape of what it means to be set apart for God’s purposes. We will examine the biblical foundations, explore the practical realities, and address the common misconceptions that often cloud our understanding of this crucial doctrine. Along the way, we will discover that the question “Are we there yet?” is not one of frustration but of faithful expectation, not of impatience but of informed hope.
Understanding the Nature of Sanctification
The Biblical Foundation
To sanctify an object means to wash, cleanse, consecrate, or set it aside for a special purpose. Sanctification is a Christian teaching about how God transforms a person, making them fit for a holy purpose. The Hebrew word qadash and the Greek word hagios, from which we derive our understanding of sanctification, both carry the fundamental meaning of separation—not separation from life itself, but separation unto God for His divine purposes.
When we examine the scriptural witness, we discover that sanctification encompasses far more than moral improvement or behavioral modification. Sanctification includes a change of heart, a desire to love God and other people. It includes a change of mind, seeing the world from an honest perspective. It includes embracing the truth about life, oneself, and others. And in the future, sanctification includes a change in the body, healing and perfecting what it means to be human.
The Three-Fold Nature of Sanctification
Christian theology has traditionally understood sanctification as occurring in three distinct yet interconnected phases, much like a journey that involves departure, travel, and arrival.
Positional Sanctification: The Point of Departure
While we are positionally holy (“set free from every sin” by the blood of Christ, Acts 13:39),1and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. we know that we still sin (1 John 1:10).2If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. This initial aspect of sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation when God declares believers to be holy in His sight. It is not based on our performance but on Christ’s perfect work on our behalf. Like receiving a passport that grants us citizenship in a new country, positional sanctification gives us a new identity and status before God.
Progressive Sanctification: The Journey Itself
“Progressive” or “experiential” sanctification, as it is sometimes called, is the effect of obedience to the Word of God in one’s life. It is the same as growing in the Lord (2 Peter 3:18)3But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. or spiritual maturity. This is the ongoing process of spiritual growth that continues throughout our earthly lives. It is the daily journey of becoming in practice what we already are in position.
Ultimate Sanctification: The Final Destination
There is a third sense in which the word sanctification is used in Scripture—a “complete” or “ultimate” sanctification. This is the same as glorification. This future aspect represents the completion of our transformation when we see Christ face to face and are made perfectly like Him. It is the arrival at our final destination, when the journey of sanctification reaches its glorious conclusion.
The Divine Initiative in Sanctification
God’s Gracious Work
One of the most comforting truths about sanctification is that it fundamentally originates with God, not with human effort or determination. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s His loving posture toward all people. God does not sanctify a person because they are worthy or good; God sanctifies a person because of His mercy. This means that sanctification is God’s free gift (Ephesians 2:8).4For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
This divine initiative provides tremendous assurance for believers who might otherwise despair of their own ability to grow spiritually. The renowned theologian R.C. Sproul once observed, “If there is no sanctification, it means that there never was any justification.” This statement underscores the inseparable connection between God’s saving work and His sanctifying work in the believer’s life.
The Supernatural Character of Sanctification
As a work of God, sanctification includes acquiring new habits, practices, and thoughts. But it’s more than the natural work that a wise psychologist or counselor can accomplish in a person. Sanctification results from the supernatural presence and power of the Holy Spirit working in a Christian’s life.
This supernatural dimension distinguishes Christian sanctification from mere self-improvement or moral reformation. While psychology and counseling can certainly help individuals develop better coping mechanisms and healthier behaviors, only the Holy Spirit can fundamentally transform the human heart and align it with God’s perfect will.
The implications of this supernatural character are profound:
- Sanctification transcends personality limitations and natural tendencies
- It can work even in the most challenging circumstances and backgrounds
- It produces changes that go deeper than external behavior modification
- It creates a genuine love for God and others that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone
A Personal Illustration: The Master Sculptor
Consider the story of a master sculptor who discovered a rough piece of marble in an abandoned quarry. To most observers, the stone appeared worthless—cracked, stained, and bearing the scars of years of neglect. But the sculptor saw something different. He saw the potential for a magnificent work of art hidden within the flawed exterior.
Day after day, the sculptor worked on his project. Each careful strike of the chisel removed another fragment of unnecessary stone. Some days, the progress seemed minimal—perhaps only a small chip here or a gentle smoothing there. Other days, larger pieces fell away, revealing more of the intended form beneath.
The stone, if it could speak, might have complained about the constant striking, the persistent pressure, the uncomfortable process of being shaped. “Are we there yet?” it might have asked. “When will this uncomfortable transformation be complete?”
But the sculptor, with his experienced eye and patient heart, could see the gradual emergence of something beautiful. He knew that each strike of the chisel was necessary, that every rough edge removed brought the sculpture closer to its intended glory. He worked not out of frustration with the stone’s current condition, but out of love for what it would become.
This illustration captures the essence of divine sanctification. God, our Master Sculptor, sees not only what we are, but what we can become through His transforming grace. The process may sometimes feel uncomfortable, even painful, but it is always purposeful and always loving.
The Process of Progressive Sanctification
A Lifelong Journey
It doesn’t happen all at once. Christians don’t immediately become loving, kind, humble, and self-controlled. As a process, sanctification means becoming more holy through time. Like a child growing up into adulthood, Christians become more sanctified over time.
This gradual nature of sanctification is both a source of encouragement and a cause for patience. It encourages us because it means we don’t need to achieve perfection overnight—God is patient with our growth. It requires patience because the changes we long to see in ourselves and others may take years to fully manifest.
John Piper, a prominent contemporary theologian, has noted that “We can and should make progress in sanctification. And we can and should be aware that it is happening. This will encourage us that God is at work in our lives. And it will humble us because progress will mean we can see more clearly how far we have to go and how small are our advances.”
The Apostle Paul’s Example
One of the authors of Scripture, the apostle Paul, uses himself as an example. He explains that while he is a follower of Jesus, he is not “already perfect,” but continues to pursue God’s call to new life (Philippians 3:12–14).5Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Even as a missionary and eyewitness to Jesus’ resurrection, Paul continues in an imperfect love.
Paul’s transparency about his own ongoing struggle provides both comfort and instruction for modern believers. If the apostle Paul, with all his spiritual experiences and theological insight, could acknowledge his incompleteness, how much more should we expect to experience ongoing growth and development in our spiritual lives?
The Dynamics of Struggle and Victory
The process of sanctification involves what theologians often describe as the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” We are already declared holy in God’s sight through Christ, yet we are not yet perfectly holy in our daily experience. This tension creates an internal dynamic that every genuine believer experiences.
The Reality of Ongoing Sin
Yet, even while striving to do good, Christians will fail. They will continue to struggle with harmful, evil desires and weakness of heart and body (Romans 7:15;6For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 2 Corinthians 12:7–107So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.). The effects of sanctification in this life are real, but incomplete and imperfect.
This honest acknowledgment of ongoing struggle is not meant to discourage believers but to provide realistic expectations. The road of sanctification is not a straight highway with no obstacles; it includes hills and valleys, straight stretches and winding curves, times of rapid progress and seasons of apparent stagnation.
The Promise of Victory
Despite the reality of ongoing struggle, Scripture promises that God will complete the work He has begun in His people. Philippians 1:6 assures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This promise provides hope during difficult seasons and motivation for continued growth.
Human Responsibility in Sanctification
Active Participation, Not Passive Observation
While sanctification is ultimately God’s work, it is not a process in which believers remain passive. God sanctifies Christians (1 Thessalonians 5:23;8Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:16;9that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, Galatians 2:20;10I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Colossians 1:11; John 15:4;11being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; Galatians 5:2212But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,). And human beings participate, struggle, fight, work, and act.
This cooperative aspect of sanctification has sometimes been misunderstood, leading to either hyper-spirituality (expecting God to do everything while we do nothing) or legalism (thinking we must accomplish our own transformation through sheer willpower). The biblical model involves neither passive waiting nor anxious striving, but rather active cooperation with God’s transforming work.
The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
God works to sanctify His people through their reading Scripture, hearing biblical sermons, praying, and through the study and meditation of His Word. He also works through their receiving of ordinary elements of communion during a worship service, and serving the poor, the marginalized, and anyone in need.
These spiritual disciplines—often called “means of grace”—are not magical formulas that automatically produce spiritual growth, but they are the ordinary channels through which God typically works to transform His people. Like a gardener who provides the right conditions for a plant to grow (proper soil, adequate water, sufficient sunlight), believers can create the spiritual conditions that facilitate God’s sanctifying work in their lives.
Scripture Reading and Study. Regular engagement with God’s Word provides the believer with both the knowledge of God’s will and the spiritual nourishment necessary for growth. As Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
Prayer. Through prayer, believers maintain communion with God, express their dependence upon Him, and align their hearts with His purposes. Prayer is both a means of grace and a fruit of grace—we pray because we are being sanctified, and we are sanctified as we pray.
Fellowship and Community. The Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation. Through participation in the local church and meaningful relationships with other believers, Christians receive encouragement, accountability, instruction, and service opportunities.
Service to Others. God requires his people “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with God (Micah 6:8). For Christians, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).
A Story of Transformation: The Unlikely Gardener
Maria had never considered herself a gardener. Living in a small apartment with no yard, she had resigned herself to artificial plants and the occasional bouquet of cut flowers. But when she volunteered to help with the community garden at her church, she discovered something unexpected.
The pastor handed her a packet of tomato seeds and pointed to a small plot of freshly turned soil. “Just follow the instructions on the packet,” he said with a smile. “God will do the rest.”
Initially, Maria approached the task with skepticism. How could these tiny, seemingly lifeless seeds possibly become productive plants? She planted them according to the directions, watered them regularly, and waited. For days, nothing visible happened. She began to wonder if she had done something wrong.
Then, one morning, she noticed the first tiny green shoots pushing through the soil. Over the following weeks, she watched in amazement as those fragile sprouts grew into sturdy plants, developed flowers, and eventually produced an abundance of ripe, red tomatoes.
“I didn’t make those tomatoes,” Maria reflected months later. “I just provided the right conditions—good soil, regular water, protection from weeds. God provided the life, the growth, the fruit.”
This simple gardening experience became a powerful metaphor for Maria’s understanding of spiritual growth. She realized that her role in sanctification was similar to her role in gardening—faithful attention to the means of grace God had provided, combined with patient trust in His ability to produce spiritual fruit in her life.
Christ as the Pattern and Power of Sanctification
Conformity to Christ’s Image
Many of the Bible’s descriptions of good works, love, virtue, and qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in sanctification find their perfect picture in Jesus’ life and ministry. Christians are to imitate God through patterning their life after Jesus’ examples of love and compassion.
The ultimate goal of sanctification is not simply moral improvement or behavioral modification, but rather conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. This involves both the development of Christ-like character and the expression of Christ-like love in our relationships and service to others.
The Life of Jesus as Our Model
Jesus’ earthly life provides believers with a perfect example of what sanctified humanity looks like. His perfect obedience to the Father, His sacrificial love for others, His compassion for the poor and marginalized, His commitment to truth and righteousness—all of these characteristics become the target toward which the Holy Spirit aims in the process of sanctification.
Contemporary theologian Tim Keller has observed that sanctification involves both the negative aspect of “putting off” sinful patterns and the positive aspect of “putting on” Christ-like virtues. This process is not merely about stopping certain behaviors but about developing new patterns of thought, feeling, and action that reflect the character of Jesus.
The Power of Christ’s Work
The good news is that in sanctification, God gives what God requires. God doesn’t just demand that Christians love and show compassion; instead, God creates a heart that loves and shows compassion. God helps Christians to mature into people who strive to do good in the world.
This profound truth addresses one of the most common frustrations in Christian living—the gap between what we know we should do and what we actually do. The gospel declares that God does not merely command holiness and then leave us to achieve it through our own efforts. Instead, He provides both the motivation and the power necessary for genuine transformation.
Common Misconceptions About Sanctification
Misconception #1: Sanctification Equals Perfection
After reading passages like 1 John 1:8–2:213If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. or Romans 8, some Christians concluded that to be sanctified means never committing an intentional act of evil. For these Christians, to be sanctified means to be cleansed from all selfishness, evil, or impurity to the point that it becomes impossible for a Christian intentionally to do evil.
This perfectionist view of sanctification, while well-intentioned, creates unrealistic expectations and often leads to either spiritual pride or spiritual despair. Those who think they have achieved sinless perfection may become judgmental toward others, while those who recognize their continued struggles may question the authenticity of their faith.
A more biblical understanding recognizes that while sanctification produces genuine change and progress toward holiness, complete perfection awaits our future glorification. As John Piper has noted, awareness of our progress in sanctification should both encourage us (because it demonstrates God’s work in our lives) and humble us (because it reveals how far we still have to go).
Misconception #2: Sanctification is Merely Natural Improvement
In a society with psychological experts, life coaches, and self-help books, Christians can sometimes mistake sanctification for productivity, self-improvement, or mindfulness. These are all good pursuits and accomplishments and include good practices and disciplines. A person doesn’t have to be a Christian to be a good person, productive, or mindful.
While sanctification may produce changes that appear similar to natural self-improvement, its source, motivation, and ultimate goal are entirely different. Natural self-improvement focuses on making life more comfortable or successful according to human standards. Sanctification focuses on conformity to God’s character and purposes, often requiring sacrifice and suffering that would make no sense from a purely human perspective.
Misconception #3: Sanctification Earns God’s Love
Scripture teaches that sanctification is God’s gift to people whom He already loves. God loves and desires all people to receive His gift of eternal life (John 3:16–17;14For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 1 Timothy 2:4).15who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
This misconception transforms the joyful process of spiritual growth into an anxious attempt to earn divine approval. When believers think they must achieve certain levels of holiness to maintain God’s love, sanctification becomes a burden rather than a blessing. The biblical truth is that God’s love is the motivation for sanctification, not its reward.
The Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Understanding the relationship between justification and sanctification has been crucial to orthodox Christian theology throughout church history. These two aspects of salvation are distinct but inseparable, like two sides of the same coin.
Justification is the opposite of condemnation (Romans 8:1).16There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. It’s a change in status from being guilty before God to being called righteous, holy, or perfect. Justification is God’s legal declaration that a person is both innocent of all charges made against them and immune from any future charge in God’s court of law.
Unlike justification, sanctification is transformational. Sanctification isn’t a change in status but an actual change in the human condition. Justification is being declared forgiven and righteous, but sanctification is being made righteous and holy.
Temporal Distinctions
As a change in status, justification is immediate, final, and complete. A person doesn’t become justified over time, and a person doesn’t become more or less justified throughout their life. In contrast, sanctification is progressive, ongoing, and increasing throughout the believer’s lifetime.
This distinction helps explain why believers can experience assurance of salvation (based on the completed work of justification) while simultaneously recognizing their need for continued growth (the ongoing process of sanctification).
Unity in Purpose
While justification and sanctification are distinct, they serve the same ultimate purpose—the glory of God and the good of His people. Justification removes the legal barriers to fellowship with God, while sanctification removes the moral and spiritual barriers. Together, they accomplish God’s complete work of salvation in the believer’s life.
Practical Implications for Daily Christian Living
Realistic Expectations
Understanding sanctification as a process rather than an event helps believers develop realistic expectations for their spiritual growth and that of others. This perspective encourages patience with the pace of change while maintaining hope for continued progress.
For Personal Growth. Believers can celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks without despair, knowing that God is committed to completing the work He has begun. The question “Are we there yet?” becomes less urgent when we understand that the journey itself is part of God’s plan.
For Relationships. This understanding also affects how we relate to other believers. Instead of expecting immediate perfection from fellow Christians, we can extend grace and encouragement, knowing that they, too, are on a journey of transformation.
The Role of Suffering
The Bible frequently connects suffering with sanctification, suggesting that trials and difficulties often serve as catalysts for spiritual growth. This doesn’t mean that all suffering is directly sent by God for our sanctification, but rather that God can use even difficult circumstances to accomplish His transforming purposes in our lives.
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament provides a powerful example of how God can use even unjust suffering for sanctifying purposes. Joseph’s character was forged through years of slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment, yet he later acknowledged God’s sovereign purpose in these trials: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Practical Steps in the Journey
While sanctification is ultimately God’s work, believers can take practical steps to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s transforming activity:
Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation. Regular engagement with God’s Word provides both knowledge and spiritual nourishment for growth. The psalmist declared, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9).
Consistent Prayer Life. Prayer maintains our connection with God and expresses our dependence upon His grace for transformation. It also aligns our hearts with His purposes and priorities.
Active Church Participation. God designed the local church as a community for mutual encouragement, accountability, and service. Isolation from other believers hinders spiritual growth.
Service to Others. Sanctification is not self-centered but other-focused. Serving others, particularly those in need, reflects God’s heart and provides opportunities to practice Christ-like love.
Confession and Accountability. Acknowledging our failures and receiving forgiveness and encouragement from trusted fellow believers accelerates the process of spiritual growth.
Encouragement for the Journey
The Assurance of Completion
One of the greatest encouragements for believers on the road of sanctification is the biblical promise that God will complete the work He has begun. Philippians 1:6 declares: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
This promise is not based on our faithfulness but on God’s character. Even when we falter, become discouraged, or temporarily stray from the path, God remains committed to our transformation. His love is not conditional upon our performance but is the very foundation upon which sanctification rests.
The Community of Fellow Travelers
The journey of sanctification is not meant to be traveled alone. God has provided the church as a community of fellow believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and mutual support along the way. When we struggle with discouragement or feel isolated in our growth, the testimony and fellowship of other Christians remind us that we are part of a larger story of God’s transforming work.
Looking Forward—The Ultimate Destination
The Promise of Glorification
Paul prays in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This ultimate sanctification represents the completion of God’s transforming work when believers receive their resurrection bodies and are forever freed from the presence and influence of sin.
The Beatific Vision
“We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” This promise from 1 John 3:2 suggests that the ultimate catalyst for our complete transformation will be seeing Christ face to face. The vision of His glory will complete the work of sanctification that began at our conversion and continued throughout our earthly lives.
Implications for Present Living
The promise of future glorification provides both hope and motivation for present sanctification. Knowing that our transformation will one day be complete encourages us to persevere through current struggles. Understanding that we will spend eternity in perfect fellowship with God and His people motivates us to begin practicing that love and unity now.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
“Why Does Sanctification Take So Long?”
This question reflects a common frustration among sincere believers who genuinely desire to grow in holiness but feel discouraged by the apparent slowness of their progress. Several factors contribute to the gradual nature of sanctification:
The Depth of Human Sin. Sin has affected every aspect of human nature—mind, will, emotions, and body. Undoing the effects of sin requires a comprehensive transformation that touches every area of life.
The Complexity of Character Formation. Character is formed through repeated choices and actions over time. Just as destructive habits take time to develop, godly habits require time to establish and strengthen.
God’s Pedagogical Wisdom. God, in His wisdom, knows that rapid change might overwhelm us or lead to spiritual pride. The gradual process of sanctification teaches us dependence upon His grace and develops spiritual virtues like patience and humility.
“How Can I Know if I’m Making Progress?”
This question reflects a healthy desire for spiritual self-awareness, though it can sometimes lead to unhealthy introspection if not properly balanced. Several indicators can help believers assess their spiritual growth:
Increasing Love for God and Others. Jesus identified love as the distinguishing mark of His disciples (John 13:35).17By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Growing appreciation for God’s character and increasing concern for the welfare of others are positive signs of spiritual progress.
Greater Sensitivity to Sin. Paradoxically, one mark of spiritual growth is an increased awareness of one’s remaining sin. As we grow closer to God’s light, we see more clearly the areas that still need transformation.
Growing Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-2318But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. lists the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in believers’ lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. While none of these will be perfect in this life, their increasing presence indicates spiritual growth.
“What About Repeated Failures in the Same Areas?”
Many believers become discouraged when they find themselves struggling repeatedly with the same sins or character issues. This pattern can be quite normal in the sanctification process for genuine believers and should not always be interpreted as evidence of spiritual stagnation. However, it’s worth noting that persistent, unrepentant sin—particularly when accompanied by a lack of conviction or desire for change—may sometimes indicate that the message of repentance and faith has not truly taken root in one’s heart.
The Reality of Remaining Sin. Even the apostle Paul acknowledged his ongoing struggle with sin (Romans 7:14-25). For the believer, the presence of continued struggle—marked by genuine sorrow over sin and a desire to overcome it—does not negate the reality of spiritual progress. Yet when sin becomes comfortable or loses its sting, this may signal a deeper spiritual concern that warrants honest self-examination.
The Process of Habit Formation. Research in psychology confirms that changing deeply ingrained habits requires multiple attempts and gradual progress. Spiritual habits follow similar patterns of development. However, true conversion typically produces some evidence of transformation over time, even if gradual. A complete absence of spiritual fruit or growth may indicate the need to examine whether saving faith is present.
God’s Patient Grace. God’s love and acceptance are not based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work. This truth provides security for continued growth without the pressure of perfectionism. At the same time, genuine faith produces a heart that increasingly desires to please God and turn from sin, even amid ongoing struggles. Those who find themselves persistently comfortable in sin without conviction may benefit from prayerfully considering whether they have truly embraced the gospel’s call to repentance and faith.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
As we conclude this comprehensive exploration of Christian sanctification, we return to the question that began our journey: “Are we there yet?” The answer, we have discovered, is both “no” and “yes” simultaneously.
No, we have not yet arrived at the ultimate destination of perfect holiness that awaits us in glory. We continue to struggle with sin, to fall short of God’s perfect standard, and to depend daily upon His grace for forgiveness and transformation. In this life, sanctification remains incomplete, and we join with the apostle Paul in acknowledging that we have not yet arrived at perfection (Philippians 3:12).19Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
But yes, in another sense, we are exactly where God intends us to be at this stage of our journey. If we have trusted in Christ for salvation, we are already declared holy in God’s sight through justification. We are already indwelt by the Holy Spirit, Who is actively working to transform us. We are already part of God’s family, with all the privileges and responsibilities that relationship entails.
The road of sanctification is not a journey we travel alone or by our own strength. God Himself is both the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2),20looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. the one who began the good work in us and will surely complete it (Philippians 1:6).21And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit walks with us every step of the way, providing guidance, strength, and comfort when the path becomes difficult.
Like children on a long car trip, we may sometimes grow impatient with the pace of our spiritual progress. We may wonder why certain aspects of our character seem resistant to change, why certain sins continue to plague us, and why some fellow travelers seem to be making faster progress than we are. But our heavenly Father, with His perfect wisdom and infinite patience, knows exactly what each of us needs for our growth and when we need it.
The question “Are we there yet?” need not be one of frustration or impatience, but rather of joyful anticipation. We are on our way to a glorious destination—perfect fellowship with God, complete freedom from sin, resurrection bodies that will never know decay or death, and an eternity spent in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us.
In the meantime, we have work to do. We have spiritual disciplines to maintain, relationships to nurture, service to render, and a gospel to share with a world that desperately needs to hear it. The journey of sanctification is not a selfish pursuit of personal holiness but a preparation for greater usefulness in God’s kingdom.
As we travel this road together, let us encourage one another with the words of the apostle Paul: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).