Written by Les Allan
Discovering the Glory and Power of the Holy Spirit in the Journey of Sanctification
Lesallan Bostron
Ohio Christian University
THE4050 Investigating Christian Theology II (ONLF23)
Professor Jeremy Kamer
October 5, 2023
Discovering the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, which is the goal of the role of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the agent of sanctification, who works in us to transform our hearts and minds according to God’s will. The Holy Spirit also empowers us to live a holy life, to resist temptation, and to bear fruit for God’s glory. The Holy Spirit is often neglected or misunderstood in contemporary theology, but is essential for our salvation and growth in grace.
The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is to guide, empower, and transform believers into the image of Christ. Sanctification is the ongoing spiritual growth and moral renewal process that begins at salvation and continues until His glorification. The Holy Spirit is the agent of sanctification, who works in the hearts and minds of believers to apply the truth of God’s word and to conform them to the will of God. The Holy Spirit also produces the fruit of the Spirit, which are the qualities and virtues that reflect the character of Christ. The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is essential for the Christian life, as it enables believers to live in holiness, obedience, and love.
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, which is the goal of the role of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the agent of sanctification, who works in us to transform our hearts and minds according to God’s will. The Holy Spirit also empowers us to live a holy life, to resist temptation, and to bear fruit for God’s glory. The Holy Spirit is often neglected or misunderstood in contemporary theology, but is essential for our salvation and growth in grace.
The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is not only a theological concept, but also a practical reality that affects your life today. Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, which is the ultimate purpose of your salvation. The Holy Spirit is the one who helps you to grow in your faith, to overcome sin and temptation, and to live in a way that honors God. The Holy Spirit also gives you the fruit of the Spirit, which are the attributes and attitudes that make you more Christ-like. The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is vital for your spiritual health, as it enables you to experience God’s presence, power, and peace.
The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is not only a doctrine to believe but also a lifestyle to follow. Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, which is the goal of every disciple. You must understand that it is the Holy Spirit who unequivocally teaches, empowers, and transforms you into the perfect image of Christ. The Holy Spirit also equips you with the fruit of the Spirit, which are the marks of a true disciple. The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is relevant for your everyday life, as it shapes your character, your choices, and your relationships. The Holy Spirit helps you to live as a faithful witness, a loving servant, and a joyful worshiper of God.
In this assignment, some insights were shared from the book Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology by Thomas C. Oden (Oden, 2009). This book is a comprehensive and ecumenical survey of the Christian faith, drawing from the rich heritage of the church fathers, councils, and creeds. Oden (2009) presents the consensus view of the Christian tradition on the most important doctrines of Christianity, such as the Trinity, the incarnation, the atonement, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The topic that has been found most helpful and relevant for spiritual growth is the role of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of salvation. Oden (2009) defines sanctification as “the process by which believers are made holy through their participation in Christ by the power of the Spirit” (Oden, p. 587, 2009). He (Oden, 2009) explains that sanctification is not something our efforts can achieve, but rather a gift of grace God bestows on us through his Spirit. Sanctification is both a status and a process, a declaration and a transformation, a position, and a progression.
Oden distinguishes between three aspects of sanctification: initial, progressive, and final. Initial sanctification is “the decisive turning point in which one is set apart for God’s service by being incorporated into Christ through baptism” (Oden, p. 588, 2009). It is the beginning of our new life in Christ, marked by repentance, faith, and regeneration. Progressive sanctification is “the continuing growth in grace throughout the life span of the believer” (Oden, p. 589, 2009). It is the ongoing work of the Spirit that conforms us to the image of Christ, producing fruit and gifts, and empowering us for service and witness. Final sanctification is “the completion of holiness at the end of history when Christ returns” (Oden, p. 590, 2009). It is the goal of our salvation when we will be fully transformed into Christ’s likeness and enjoy his presence forever.
Oden emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the agent of sanctification in all its aspects. He writes: “The Spirit is present to initiate, sustain, and complete holiness in human life” (Oden, p. 591, 2009). The Spirit works in us both internally and externally, both individually and communally, both objectively and subjectively. The Spirit works internally by renewing our minds, hearts, and wills; externally by using means of grace such as scripture, sacraments, prayer, and fellowship; individually by addressing our personal needs, struggles, and gifts; communally by uniting us with other members of Christ’s body; objectively by revealing God’s truth and will; subjectively by applying God’s grace and love.
The goal of sanctification is to make us more like Christ, who is “the standard and model of holiness” (Oden, p. 592, 2009). Oden says that holiness is not a matter of always following rules or imitating virtues, but rather a matter of participating in Christ’s life and love. He states: “Holiness is not an abstract quality but a personal relationship” (Oden, p. 593, 2009). To be holy is to be in communion with God through Christ by the Spirit. This is a glimpse of the richness and depth of Oden’s book on classic Christianity (2009).
