The Two Dimensions of Christian Sanctification

THE TWO PARADIGMS OF CHRISTIAN SANCTIFICATION

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

Sanctification is the process of spiritual transformation by which a sinner is graciously set apart through the atoning power of the finished works of the cross from a sinful vessel to a child of God.

At corporate level, believers collectively constitute a community of God's people (1 Peter 2:9).

The Bible reveals two dimensions of Christian sanctification. We have the positional and progressive dimensions.

Both types of sanctification are biblical. Let's briefly outline them below.

POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION

Every believer experiences positional sanctification or justification once they come into saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Their legal standing in Christ is eternally secured. They are therefore guaranteed eternal life because the substitutional power of the atoning works of the cross has taken away their condemnation. The wrath of God no longer rests on them. They are free indeed!

Scripture affirms in Ephesians 4:30 that believers have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for redemption so that, as Romans 8:1-4 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

This is further upheld by 2 Cor. 5:17.

PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION

The second dimension of sanctification relates to the believer being set apart for God. The believer then embarks on a life-long spiritual journey that continues throughout their earthly lives as Christ shall tarry.

The believer is instructed in biblical truth and daily grows in the knowledge of Christ through the revelation of His word and in spiritual intimacy with God through devotion and worship. Romans 8:28-30 reveals that our spiritual growth is progressive as we are daily conformed or shaped by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ.

The believer does not experience spiritual perfection or purity of holiness because he relies on the grace of God to walk in obedience. This is the foundation of the Christian community life. 

Christian fellowship lies at the foundation of this truth. This is the basis of the biblical ekklesia, the Church who together are the called out; people who hitherto were lost in sinful disobedience but who by God's grace are now part of God's divine household.

Romans 8:14-17 says "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."