Sanctification
Sanctification is one of those big words I heard in church growing up, but it always felt a little mysterious to me. Honestly, I used to think it was something reserved for Pastors or theologians. But the more I’ve learned, the more I see how sanctification is actually part of our everyday lives, in big ways and small.
Wait… What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is really simple, basically it is the process of being made holy—set apart for God. It’s His ongoing work in us after we put our faith in Jesus. We’re saved by grace, but that’s just the beginning. Sanctification is the road we walk after that, learning to let go of old patterns and take on the heart of Christ. It’s not about being perfect or ticking off boxes on a spiritual to-do list. It’s more like letting God into all the places of our hearts, the messy spots and the sweet spots, and letting Him transform us bit by bit.
If I’m Saved, Why Do I Need to Worry About Sanctification?
So whether you've heard of sanctification or not, you may be wondering, why is this important to me? If I’ve already put my faith in Jesus, why does sanctification even matter?
The truth is, when we’re saved, that means we’re His. That never changes. But sanctification is the part where God keeps working in us, helping us grow, heal, learn, and love others better.
I love how Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse put it. He said justification is what Jesus did for us, sanctification is what the Holy Spirit does in us, and glorification is what God will do to us when we’re finally with Him. So sanctification is about living out that new life, letting God’s love change us from the inside out.
What Does Sanctification Look Like?
If you’re like me, you might imagine spiritual growth looking big and dramatic—like maybe a retreat experience where you have a giant breakthrough or something. But usually, it looks really normal.
It’s choosing patience when you feel frustrated. It’s offering kindness even when someone isn’t kind back. It’s learning to forgive, to trust God when things don’t go the way you planned, and to take a breath and pray instead of spiraling into worry.
It doesn’t always feel special, but God is absolutely in those moments, gently shaping our hearts.
This Isn’t a Snap-Your-Fingers Kind of Thing
I wish this process was fast. But like pretty much anything good in life, it takes time. Think of it like renovating your house while you’re still living in it. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes you wonder if it will ever be finished. But God knows exactly what He’s doing, and He’s patient with us as we learn.
Little Moments Matter
I really believe some of the biggest growth happens in the smallest moments. Waking up early to pray when you’d rather sleep in. Showing grace to your spouse when you’re both tired. Being honest with God about your doubts instead of pretending you have it all together.
Those tiny choices matter so much more than we think.
Some Seasons You’ll Feel Stuck
And that’s okay. There are times you might feel like you’re not growing at all, or maybe even going backward. But God never gives up on you. He isn’t grading your progress or getting tired of your stumbles. He’s faithful, and He’s not in a hurry.
Quick Takeaways to Hold On To
• Sanctification is a journey, not a quick fix.
• God does the heavy lifting—you just keep showing up.
• It’s not about earning His love, you already have that.
• The little things are actually big things.
• Progress might be slow, but God is always working.
Stories of Sanctification in the Bible
If you want to dig deeper, here are some stories I love:
• Peter – Luke 22, John 21, Acts 2
• Joseph – Genesis 37–50
• Paul – Acts 9, Romans 7–8
• David – 1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 24, Psalm 51
• The Israelites in the Wilderness – Exodus 13–Numbers 14
These people weren’t perfect. But God kept working in their lives, and He’ll keep working in ours too!
.jpeg)