Evergreen Faith : Why is Sanctification a Daily Journey with Jesus?

Sanctification is a daily journey because it is a continuous process of spiritual growth where the Holy Spirit works in us to align our hearts, minds, and actions with the character of Jesus, requiring our ongoing cooperation and surrender.

Bible Verses to Carry With You

1 Thessalonians 5:23 "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

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."

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Understanding the Journey

Have you ever felt like you should be "further along" in your faith?

Maybe you’ve been a follower of Jesus for years, yet you still find yourself struggling with the same temper, the same anxious thoughts, or the same old habits. If you’ve ever wondered why following Jesus doesn’t just "fix" everything instantly, you’re actually touching on one of the most beautiful and misunderstood parts of the Christian life: Sanctification.

In our "Evergreen Faith" library, we look at the core truths that anchor us. Truth #9 of the Assemblies of God is all about Sanctification. It’s a big word, but it has a very simple and life-changing meaning.

To be "sanctified" basically means to be "set apart." Think of a special piece of jewelry kept for a wedding or a tool reserved for a specific, important job. When we say yes to Jesus, God sets us apart for His purposes. He claims us as His own.

But there’s a second part to it: the process of actually becoming who God says we are. That is where the "daily journey" comes in.

It’s Both an Event and a Process

One of the most helpful ways to look at sanctification is to see it in three stages.

First, there is "positional" sanctification. The moment you trust in Jesus, you are made holy in God’s sight because of what Jesus did on the cross. You are "in Christ." You don’t have to work for this; it’s a gift. You are 100% a child of God the moment you believe.

Second, there is "progressive" sanctification. This is the daily walk. It’s the part where the Holy Spirit helps us live out that holiness in our actual, messy, everyday lives. This is what we mean when we talk about a journey. It’s the "becoming" part.

Finally, there is "entire" sanctification. This is the finish line. We won’t be perfectly like Jesus until we are with Him in heaven.

Understanding that it’s a process can take a huge weight off your shoulders. It means you don’t have to be perfect today; you just have to be walking with Him today. If you've ever struggled with the weight of past mistakes, you might find comfort in our study on overcoming shame with God's grace.

Why Can’t It Be Instant?

We live in a world of instant gratification. We want high-speed internet, instant coffee, and overnight shipping. Naturally, we want "instant holiness" too. We want to pray a prayer and never want to sin again.

But God, in His wisdom, chose a different path for us. He chose the path of relationship.

If sanctification were instant and automatic, we wouldn't need to depend on Jesus every morning. The daily journey keeps us close to Him. It forces us to realize that we can’t do this on our own.

Think of it like a friendship. You don't become best friends with someone the second you meet them. It takes time, shared experiences, difficult conversations, and daily investment. Our relationship with Jesus is the same. The "daily" aspect of sanctification is what builds the intimacy we were created for.

This journey is also how we learn to yield. Every time we choose to be patient when we want to be angry, or choose to be honest when it’s easier to lie, we are letting the Holy Spirit take more ground in our hearts. We are "putting off" the old self and "putting on" the new. It’s a workout for our soul, and just like physical exercise, you can’t get fit by going to the gym once in your life. It’s the daily rhythm that brings the change.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

We aren’t left to do this on our own. In fact, we can’t do it on our own.

One of the core beliefs we hold at Boundless Online Church is the importance of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the engine of sanctification. He is the one who convicts us of sin, gives us the desire to do what is right, and provides the power to actually do it.

Sanctification is a partnership. It is God’s work, but it requires our participation. God provides the grace and the power, but we provide the "yes." We make the intentional decisions to read Scripture, to spend time in prayer, and to join in Bible study groups where we can grow alongside others.

When we stumble, and we will, the Holy Spirit is there to pick us up, remind us of the assurance of our forgiveness, and point us back toward the path.

Practical Steps for the Daily Walk

So, what does this actually look like on a Tuesday afternoon or a stressful Monday morning? Here are a few ways to practically engage in the daily journey of sanctification:

1. Morning Surrender: Start your day by simply saying, "Jesus, I am Yours today. Help me to live for You." It’s a small act of yielding that sets the tone for everything else.

2. The "Renewing of the Mind": We are bombarded by messages from the world that try to shape us. We counteract that by filling our minds with God’s Truth. Even five minutes in the Word can change your perspective. You might find our daily devotionals helpful for finding peace in the chaos.

3. Self-Examination: At the end of the day, look back. Where did you see God working? Where did you struggle? Don't look back with condemnation, but with a desire to learn and grow.

4. Community Connection: Sanctification isn't a solo sport. We need other people to encourage us, challenge us, and pray for us. Whether it’s a men's group or a general Bible study, being around other believers is vital.

5. Obedience in the Small Things: Sanctification often happens in the tiny moments, choosing a kind word over a sharp one, or being faithful in a task no one sees.

The Hope of the Finish Line

The best news about sanctification is that God is the one who started it, and He is the one who will finish it. As Philippians 1:6 promises, He won't leave you halfway done.

There will come a day when the struggle with sin will be over. There will come a day when your character perfectly reflects the beauty of Jesus. Until then, we embrace the journey. We celebrate the small victories. We lean on His grace when we fail. And we keep walking, one day at a time, with our Savior.

If you are just starting this journey and wondering if God is even real, I encourage you to look at the evidence for the faith. The fact that lives are changed every day is one of the greatest proofs we have.

A Prayer for Your Journey

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me and setting me apart as Your own. I am so grateful that You don't leave me as I am, but that You love me enough to transform me. Today, I surrender my will to Yours. Holy Spirit, please lead me. Give me the strength to turn away from things that don't honor You and the desire to pursue everything that does. Help me to be more like Jesus in how I speak, think, and act today. Thank You for Your endless grace on this journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Next Steps and Connection

We are here to walk this journey with you. No one is meant to do this alone. If you have questions about sanctification, or if you're feeling stuck in your walk with God, please reach out. We would love to help you find a group or resources to keep you moving forward.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

We also invite you to join our online community. Whether you're interested in Bible study or looking for a place to volunteer and lead, there is a place for you here.

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.