Knowing I’m Being Sanctified
Sunday Seminary—11
Know What You Believe. Believe What You Know.
We’ve been walking through the story of salvation in our Sunday Seminary: God is, he created us, we rebelled, and he showed mercy in sending his Son to justify us. But justification is not the end—it’s the beginning. Romans 6 shows us what comes next. Paul asks a startling question: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Rom. 6:1). His answer is clear: mē génoito!—by no means! We who have died to sin now live in newness of life. Baptized into Christ Jesus, we share in his death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3–4). This new life and growth in holiness is what Paul calls “sanctification.” Let’s focus on knowing I’m being sanctified.
Sanctification is God’s Gracious Work
Sanctification begins with God. Article 24 of the Belgic Confession reminds us that the true faith which justifies is produced in us by the hearing of God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. This faith regenerates us—makes us new people—and sets us free from the slavery of sin. Even our growth in holiness is by grace: “By grace you have been saved through faith…not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8–9). Every step of our sanctification is God’s gracious work. Even when we stumble, God’s Spirit continues shaping us.
From Justified Sinners to Saints
Sanctification transforms us from justified sinners into saints. Paul’s question in Romans 6 reminds us: we are dead to sin. We cannot continue living as we once did. Justifying faith does not make us cold or indifferent; it makes us alive, fired up to live for God. Our obedience flows not from obligation, but from faith working through love. Galatians 5:6 teaches the same truth: “Faith working through love” is what matters, not legalistic rule-keeping. We are free from the yoke of sin, free from legalism, and free to live holy lives empowered by the Spirit. Our good works are the fruit of faith, not the root of our acceptance before God.
Culminating in Glorification
Sanctification is not the final word. It leads to glorification—the completion of God’s work in us. Our good works, imperfect though they are, are accepted because they spring from faith. They are not meritorious; they do not earn God’s favor. But God, in his grace, crowns our faithfulness with reward. Just as a tree bears fruit because it is alive, our lives produce good works because Christ lives in us. Our hope is the certain promise that God will finish what he started, bringing us to perfect holiness in glory.
As you rest in Christ’s work for you, also trust the Spirit to shape your heart. Do not despair at sin’s lingering power, but also do not boast in your efforts. Live as a renewed creation, walking in newness of life each day. Let faith working through love shape your actions, your relationships, and your priorities. And rejoice: God, who began this good work in you, will carry it to completion.
The Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification shows us that salvation is a journey, not a moment. We have been justified—pardoned, accepted, and made righteous—but we are also being made holy, transformed, and prepared for glory.
Our obedience flows from faith, not fear; from love, not law. Every step of growth, every act of love, is God’s gracious work in us, renewing us from justified sinners into saints.
Cling to Christ, embrace the Spirit’s work, and let your life be a testimony to God’s transforming grace. Walk in assurance, humility, and joy, knowing that the God who saved you will not abandon his work in you but will bring it to full completion, to his glory and your everlasting good.