Question 30: What is Sanctification?

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Listen: 2 Corinthians 3

Question: What is sanctification?

Answer: Sanctification is the lifelong process of growing more like Christ through transformation by the Holy Spirit.

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. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Paul writes to believers struggling with ongoing spiritual growth. He explains that sanctification—being set apart and transformed by the Spirit into Christlikeness—is not an instant process but a gradual work of the Spirit. Unlike the temporary, fading glory that Moses experienced after meeting with God (Exodus 34:29), believers experience a continuous transformation over time. Paul wants them to understand their spiritual growth isn’t dependent solely on their efforts. “Being transformed” indicates a process by which God’s Spirit shapes believers to increasingly reflect Christ’s character throughout their lives.

This same process of sanctification transforms how we understand spiritual growth today. We are being made more like Jesus in our hearts, character and actions. This transformation comes from the Spirit of God who lives in us. God’s Spirit actively works to mold us to be like Jesus. This spiritual formation is a lifelong pursuit empowered by the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit and submit to his guidance, he produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, making us less hateful and more loving, less cynical and more joyful, less anxious and more at peace.

TODAY: Thank God that sanctification is his work through the Spirit, not something you must accomplish in your own strength. Ask the Spirit to reveal one area where you need to be more like Christ and submit that area to his transforming work. Trust that he is making you more like Jesus, even when progress seems slow. Learn more about sanctification and the Spirit’s transforming work in our We Believe document.