Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About the Holy Spirit's Role in Daily Sanctification?
If you have ever felt like your spiritual life is a "work in progress" that sometimes feels more like "stalled construction," you are not alone. The moment we say yes to Jesus, we are made new, but anyone who has ever lost their temper in Memphis traffic knows that the "old self" still tries to show up.
What is the Holy Spirit's role in daily sanctification?
In Assemblies of God doctrine, the Holy Spirit is the active Agent of sanctification, progressively transforming a believer’s character into the likeness of Christ. This is not a feat of human willpower, but a lifelong partnership where we yield to the Spirit’s power to overcome sin and live for God.
Defining the Terms: What is Sanctification?
Before diving into the "how," we must understand the "what." In the Assemblies of God tradition, we view sanctification as both a finished act and a continuing process.
Definition Block: Sanctification Derived from the Greek word hagiasmos, sanctification means "to be set apart" or "made holy." It is the work of God that separates a believer from the influence of sin and dedicates them to the service and character of Jesus Christ.
While we are declared holy the moment we are saved (initial sanctification), we spend the rest of our lives becoming in practice what God has declared us to be in position (progressive sanctification). This is where the Holy Spirit becomes our most vital companion.
The Transformation: From Glory to Glory
One of the most beautiful descriptions of this process is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Notice three things about the Holy Spirit's role in this verse:
The Spirit Removes the Veil: He opens our eyes to see the beauty and truth of Jesus. Without the Spirit, the Bible is just a book; with the Spirit, it is a mirror reflecting the glory of God.
The Spirit Directs the Transformation: We don't transform ourselves. The verse says we are being transformed. It is a passive verb for us, meaning we receive the action while the Holy Spirit performs it.
The Spirit Works Progressively: The phrase "from glory to glory" (or "with ever-increasing glory") reminds us that sanctification is a marathon, not a sprint. Every day, the Spirit chips away at our old habits and carves out the character of Christ.
The Three-Step Daily Process: Recognize, Reckon, Offer
Assemblies of God teaching highlights a practical, daily rhythm for cooperating with the Holy Spirit. If you want to experience the Spirit’s power in your sanctification today, follow these three biblical steps:
1. Recognize Your Union with Christ
Sanctification begins with the mind. You must recognize that when Christ died, your old sinful nature was defeated. When He rose, He gave you a new life. The Holy Spirit constantly reminds us of our identity. You aren't just a "sinner saved by grace", you are a child of God who has been given the very nature of Christ.
2. Reckon it True by Faith
To "reckon" is an accounting term. It means to count something as a fact. When temptation hits, whether it's greed, pride, or a bitter thought, the Holy Spirit empowers you to say, "I reckon myself dead to that sin because I am alive in Christ." You are counting on the Spirit's strength rather than your own resolve.
3. Offer Every Faculty to the Spirit
Finally, we must yield. This is a daily, sometimes hourly, act of surrender. We offer our eyes, our tongues, our hands, and our thoughts to the dominion of the Holy Spirit. Instead of trying harder to "be good," we ask the Spirit to take control.
Common Misconceptions About Sanctification
It is easy to get off track when talking about holiness. Here are a few things the Assemblies of God does not believe about the Spirit’s role in sanctification:
It is not "Sinless Perfection": We do not believe that a person reaches a state on this earth where they are incapable of sinning. We remain human, but the Spirit gives us the power to not sin.
It is not Legalism: Sanctification is not a list of "do's and don'ts" designed to earn God's favor. It is a response to the favor we have already received.
It is not Self-Improvement: You can’t "white-knuckle" your way to holiness. True transformation only happens when we stop trying and start trusting the Spirit to do what we cannot.
Practical Ways to Yield to the Spirit Today
If the Holy Spirit is the Agent of change, how do we practically stay in His "workshop"?
Immerse in Scripture: The Spirit uses the Word of God as the "blueprint" for your transformation. You cannot grow in sanctification while ignoring the Bible.
Prioritize Prayer: Prayer is the place where we "unveil our faces" before the Lord. Spending time in His presence allows the Spirit to rub off on us. If you need a place to start, join our prayer and praise community.
Walk in Community: The Spirit often uses other believers to sharpen us. Life Groups provide the environment where the "fruit of the Spirit" is actually put to the test.
Be Sensitive to Conviction: When the Spirit nudges your heart about a word you said or an attitude you're holding, don't ignore it. That nudge is His hand guiding you toward holiness.
A Journey Toward the Image of Jesus
The Holy Spirit's role in your daily life is to make you look more like your Elder Brother, Jesus. He is patient, He is powerful, and He is persistent. He doesn't give up on you when you stumble; He picks you up, reminds you of who you are in Christ, and points you forward.
Whether you are in the heart of the 901 or watching from across the globe, remember: you are not responsible for changing yourself. You are responsible for yielding to the One who can.
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