Immediately upon regeneration we are sanctified, set apart in Christ (1 Peter 1:2). However, regeneration is an immediate act by the Holy Spirit upon our hearts, whereas sanctification is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within us. Simply stated, regeneration is our new life in Christ, whereas our sanctification is growth in Christ.
Regeneration is the operation of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts (i.e., mind, will, and emotions), whereas sanctification is a cooperative work between the Holy Spirit and us. It is necessary for us to yield to the Spirit, otherwise we become carnal Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Our choice is between the Spirit and the flesh. It is an ongoing battle in every believer's life (Galatians 5:16-17).
Regeneration gives us a desire to grow in Christ. We are sanctified in Christ in order to mature as believers. We grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We desire the "sincere milk" of God's word. This comes through Bible study and teaching. We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to understand more and more of God's truth in Christ.
In the New Testament, salvation is past, present, and future. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). Through regeneration believers have been saved in Christ. Through sanctification believers are growing in Christ.
Regeneration is the operation of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts (i.e., mind, will, and emotions), whereas sanctification is a cooperative work between the Holy Spirit and us. It is necessary for us to yield to the Spirit, otherwise we become carnal Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Our choice is between the Spirit and the flesh. It is an ongoing battle in every believer's life (Galatians 5:16-17).
Regeneration gives us a desire to grow in Christ. We are sanctified in Christ in order to mature as believers. We grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We desire the "sincere milk" of God's word. This comes through Bible study and teaching. We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to understand more and more of God's truth in Christ.
In the New Testament, salvation is past, present, and future. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). Through regeneration believers have been saved in Christ. Through sanctification believers are growing in Christ.
