Grace and Sanctification: Navigating the Challenges of Salvation

When we embrace the grace of salvation, it can sometimes be easy to feel that once we have confessed our sins and trusted in Jesus, we are free from the burden of guilt and immune to sin. However, this belief, often referred to as cheap grace, is a misconception that can lead us astray. The truth is, while salvation is immediate and total in the sense that our sins are forgiven, the process of sanctification – the gradual transformation into the likeness of Christ – is a lifelong journey. In this article, we will explore the relationship between salvation and sanctification, and how we can navigate the challenges that come in the process of becoming the person God desires us to be.

Sinning Even After Salvation

Paul, the apostle, serves as a powerful example of this truth. Despite his deep spiritual understanding and his efforts to obey God, he wrestled with a sense of inherent sinfulness:

For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Romans 7:21–18

Paul's experience is not unique to him. Even after salvation, we find ourselves wrestling with sin. This is not a sign of weakness or failure, but a natural part of the sanctification process. Salvation frees us from the penalty of sin, but sanctification is the ongoing journey of being transformed into Christ's image. As we walk this path, we are continually confronted with our weaknesses and the persistent war within us.

The Role of Sanctification in Our Lives

Sanctification is the deepening of our relationship with Christ and the process by which we are continually changed. This process begins immediately upon salvation but continues throughout our lives:

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 8:2

Yet, despite the freedom we have in Christ, the reality is that we are still human, subject to the powers of sin within us. It is this tension that drives us to continue in our walk of faith. We are saved by the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms us from the inside out, but we must also work at resisting temptation and striving to live in accordance with God's will.

The Responsibilities of the Believer in Sanctification

As Christians, we have a role to play in our sanctification:

Be Alert and Sober: The devil is always on the lookout to deceive and consume us. We must stay vigilant and be prepared for the battles we face. Persevere: Trials are a part of the Christian life, and those who persevere through them will be rewarded with a crown of life. This requires patience and perseverance. Produce Good Fruit: As we grow in Christ, we should see increasing evidence of our transformation through the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The process of sanctification is not easy, but it is essential. The ax is at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. This metaphor challenges us to continually examine our lives and seek to produce the fruit that brings glory to God.

Conclusion

Salvation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. While we are free from the penalty of sin, we are still subject to the ongoing battles of sanctification. By understanding the relationship between salvation and sanctification, we can navigate these challenges with wisdom and grace, striving to honor God in every aspect of our lives.