AG Truth Deep Dive: Sanctification (Truth #8)
- Boundless Team
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt like there is a tug-of-war happening inside your heart?
One side of you wants to follow God with everything you have. You want to be kind, patient, and full of integrity. But the other side feels pulled toward old habits, frustrations, or ways of thinking that you know don't honor Him.
If you’ve felt that tension, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re right in the middle of a process called sanctification.
At Boundless Online Church, we are walking through the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. Today, we’re looking at Truth #8: Sanctification. It sounds like a heavy "theology" word, but it’s actually one of the most practical and encouraging parts of our walk with Jesus.
In short, sanctification is the process of being set apart for God. It’s about becoming more like Jesus every single day.
What Does Sanctification Actually Mean?
The word "sanctify" literally means to make holy or to set something apart for a special purpose.
Think about it like a specialized tool. If you have a high-end camera lens for digital video training, you don't use it to hammer a nail. It is "set apart" for the specific purpose of capturing light and creating art.
In the same way, when we follow Jesus, we are set apart from the "common" way the world lives and dedicated to God’s specific purposes.
The Assemblies of God doctrine defines it as an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It isn't just about "stopping bad things." It’s about "starting God things."
(Illustration: A clear pathway leading through a dense forest toward a bright, welcoming light at the horizon.)
The Three "Dimensions" of Sanctification
One of the most helpful ways to understand sanctification is to see it as a journey with three distinct phases.
1. Positional Sanctification (The Moment You Believe)
The moment you put your faith in Jesus, God sees you as holy.
This can be hard to wrap our heads around because we know we still make mistakes. But because of what Jesus did on the cross, His righteousness is credited to you. You are "set apart" as a child of God the second you say "Yes" to Him.
You don't have to work to get into God's family; you are brought in by grace. This is your starting position.
2. Progressive Sanctification (The Daily Walk)
This is where the "work" happens. While we are holy in God’s eyes because of Jesus, our daily behavior and thoughts are still catching up to that reality.
Progressive sanctification is the lifelong process of the Holy Spirit changing us from the inside out. It’s a daily decision to surrender our will to His.
It’s choosing peace when you’re stuck in traffic.
It’s choosing honesty when a lie would be easier.
It’s choosing to forgive someone who doesn't deserve it.
This process is fueled by the gift of God’s Word. The more we read the Bible, the more our minds are renewed.
3. Ultimate Sanctification (The Finish Line)
One day, when we see Jesus face to face, the struggle will finally be over.
We will be completely free from the presence of sin. This is our future hope. No more tug-of-war. No more internal battles. We will be made perfect in His presence.
Why Does This Matter for You Right Now?
You might be reading this while working a late-night shift, or maybe you’re at home caring for a loved one in hospice. Perhaps you are in a place where it feels unsafe to openly share your faith.
Sanctification is for you exactly where you are.
It tells us that our environment doesn't determine our holiness: our relationship with the Holy Spirit does. You can be "set apart" for God while doing laundry, while coding a website, or while navigating a difficult health crisis.
God isn't looking for religious perfection; He is looking for a heart that says, "Lord, help me be more like You today than I was yesterday."
(Illustration: A person standing at a crossroads on a sunlit path, looking up toward a glowing sky with confidence.)
How Does Sanctification Happen?
We can’t "white-knuckle" our way into holiness. If we try to change ourselves by sheer willpower, we will eventually burn out or become prideful.
True sanctification happens through:
Recognition of Our Union with Christ
We have to realize that when Jesus died, our "old self" died too. And when He rose, we were given new life. We aren't just trying to be "better people." We are living out of the power of the Resurrection.
Faith and Reckoning
The Bible tells us to "reckon" ourselves dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11). "Reckoning" is an accounting term. It means to count it as a fact. We have to believe that the Spirit of God living in us is stronger than the temptations around us.
Offering Ourselves to the Holy Spirit
Every morning, we have the opportunity to say, "Holy Spirit, I give you my hands, my feet, my mind, and my mouth today. Lead me."
This is a beautiful, transformational way to live. It takes the pressure off of us and puts the focus on God’s power. If you’re looking for ways to practically engage with your faith and use your gifts for the Kingdom, check out our service page to see how you can grow.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
In the Assemblies of God, we believe strongly in the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the "Sanctifier."
He is the one who convicts us when we drift off the path. He is the one who gives us the desire to pray and read the Word. He is the one who produces "fruit" in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Without the Spirit, sanctification is just another self-help program. With the Spirit, it is a supernatural transformation.
(Illustration: A bright light breaking through clouds, illuminating a long, winding path that goes upward toward a mountain peak.)
A Call to Holiness
Living a sanctified life doesn't mean you become boring or lose your personality. In fact, you become more of who you were actually created to be.
Sin is like a shadow that obscures the "real you." Sanctification is the light that brings out the true colors.
We want to encourage you to keep going. If you messed up yesterday, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. Your "position" as His child hasn't changed. Just get back on the "progressive" path and ask the Holy Spirit for help.
Next Steps for Your Journey
Are you ready to dive deeper into what it means to follow Jesus? Here are a few ways you can take the next step:
Read the Word: Spend 10 minutes a day in the New Testament. Romans 6, 7, and 8 are great places to start to understand this topic.
Join a Challenge: We have online challenges designed to help you grow in your faith consistently. You can find them here and here.
Check out our Resources: From books to apparel, we have tools to help you keep your mind stayed on Him.
(Illustration: A peaceful morning landscape where a golden path leads toward a rising sun, symbolizing a fresh start in the journey of faith.)
Sanctification isn't a destination we reach in this life: it’s the direction we are walking. As long as you are moving toward the light of Jesus, you are on the right track.
Do you have questions about sanctification? Or maybe you've been feeling that "tug-of-war" and need someone to stand with you in prayer? We would love to hear from you.
Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
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