Is Holiness Up to You? The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification Explained
Confused about sanctification? You're not alone. For centuries, Christians have wrestled with what it really means to grow in holiness. Even 175 years after the Reformation, Walter Marshall had to write The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification because believers were still struggling with this fundamental question.
The problem is our deep tendency toward self-reliance instead of resting in God's provision and power. We swing between two dangerous extremes: either we treat holiness as something we achieve through sheer effort. This turns the gospel into Christian self-help.
The other problem is that we work so hard that we get discouraged. We are tempted to give up, and we say, "I'm already righteous in Christ, so why bother trying?"
Neither view captures the biblical picture. The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 114) reminds us that even the holiest person in this life has only a small beginning of obedience. Yet with earnest purpose, we begin to live not only a few commands, but all the commands. When we understand that we are united to Christ, then we press on.
We need to remember that we'll never reach perfection in this life. However, we do not give up, but we press forward in humble dependence on the Lord who sanctifies us.
Here's the truth many have lost sight of: sanctification is a mystery. It's God's work in us by His Spirit (1 Timothy 3:16). Our obedience begins with faith. We are told in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith, it's impossible to please God. Faith is the instrument that takes hold of Christ and His benefits. Even our good desires are His gift. When we pursue holiness apart from Christ, it becomes a project of the flesh rather than the joy of communion with our Savior. Sanctification is the byproduct of that union.
Sanctification does involve self-denial, but with joy. We deny what harms us so we can delight in what is good and ultimately enjoy God Himself. Like the psalmist in Psalm 139, we should pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart," welcoming His refining hand.
In this series, we'll walk through Sinclair Ferguson's Devoted to God, exploring the biblical mystery of how God transforms His people. Join us as we rediscover what it means to grow in holiness. This is not by our grinning and bearing it, but in the joy of humble dependence on the God who sanctifies us.