What is sanctification? Most of the time the word is used, it refers to growth in Christlikeness, an increase in Christian character throughout the course of a believer’s life. The Bible does not teach only that our lives should bear fruit; it also teaches that our spiritual fruit should increase.

Strangely, though, some object when you admonish them to strive for an increase in Christlike character in their lives. Immediately for some a red flag goes up in their minds upon hearing this, and they claim that this is not what the Christian life is all about. The danger, they claim, is that living by this doctrine could lead to self-righteousness and pride and tempt one to boast of one’s moral accomplishments and progress. This, they argue, is contrary to grace, for we have nothing to boast of.

I wonder if we have heard so much preaching against works righteousness and “We are saved by grace, not by works” so often that somehow we have become conditioned to take too severe of a stance against any teaching that mentions spiritual labor. It is as if we have created a lopsided theology that teaches us simply to “let go and let God” without participating actively in our sanctification.

Certainly there is a bit of pharisee in every one of us, and the ugly twin heads of pride and self-righteousness always seem to loom just under the surface of our Christian behavior, like ravenous crocodiles waiting to emerge violently for the kill. Nevertheless, there are two problems with this objection:

1) The abuse of a doctrine does not constitute a logical argument against it. If someone fell into the trap of self-righteousness after striving to grow in Christlikeness, that would not nullify the doctrine of sanctification any more than a person falling prey to greed would nullify gainful employment. All it would show is that serious depravity remains to be dealt with in that person’s life.

2) It flies in the face of scripture passages that call upon the believer to strive after a growth in holiness. Consider these:

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-11, ESV; emphasis added)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV; emphasis added)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. … By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:1-2, 8, ESV; emphasis added)

These passages make it quite clear that the follower of Christ is expected not only to work diligently at cultivating Christlike character but also to do so in an increasing manner–with God’s empowering, of course. This makes all the more sense when we remember the purpose for Christ’s atoning death: He did not give up his life so that we could remain the same; rather he sacrificed his own life so that we might live God-glorifying lives abundant in spiritual fruit. Let’s never forget that and always remember that while we don’t work for our salvation, we are  commanded to work it out–and that with “fear and trembling.”

One Response to Working it out

  • Mike says:

    Amen brother! All of Grace and yet not without responsibility. It is good to grasp one thing and not let go of another, the one who fears God comes to Him with both of them. [Eccl.] God bless, Least

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