Sanctification: God’s Ongoing Work of Making Us Like Christ

Contending for the Word Q&A with Dave JenkinsWhen a person trusts in Christ, God immediately forgives their sin, declares them righteous, and reconciles them to Himself. But salvation does not end there. The Lord also begins His lifelong work of sanctification, steadily making His people more holy and more like Christ.In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what sanctification is, how it differs from justification, and why believers are called to pursue holiness through obedience, repentance, and dependence on the Lord.

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What Is Sanctification?

Sanctification is the ongoing work of God by which believers grow in holiness and are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Justification is God’s once-for-all declaration that the sinner is righteous in Christ. Sanctification is the continuing work of transformation that follows throughout the Christian life.This growth is neither passive nor self-powered. God works in His people by His Spirit, and believers respond in obedience, repentance, and dependence on Him. The result is not sinless perfection in this life, but real progress: a growing love for God, His Word, and His ways, along with a deepening hatred of sin.God’s goal is not mere self-improvement. He is shaping His people into the likeness of His Son. Though this work often involves struggle and takes a lifetime, the Lord is faithful to complete what He has begun.

Scripture References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3
• Romans 8:29
• Philippians 1:6

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