How Are We Sanctified?

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.

Grace Alone Saves Us

Grace alone saves us from the law of sin and death. Preceding grace awakens us to our need of Christ (John 16:7-11). Grace enables us to repent and trust the Lord Jesus Christ. God began this work of grace in us and continues to complete it (Philippians 1:6). God's salvation for sinners is all of grace.

Grace alone saves us through the work of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to turn by faith to Christ as Savior and Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3). Grace continues to work in believers, until God finishes in us what He began. Salvation from beginning to completion is all of grace.

There is no way we can merit nor earn our salvation. It comes to us only by the grace of God, as a gift to be freely received. Only faith in Jesus Christ receives the grace of God. 

Don't fall for the idea that you can somehow be good enough to merit God's saving grace. Sinners are saved by grace, and it's all of grace. God's grace alone is always and only unmerited favor.

Grace alone saves us through faith in Christ (John 1:16). "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV). It's by grace alone, received through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Understand the Gospel

Understand the gospel is the good news of God through Christ. The Lord Jesus died for our sins. The power of the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). 

Understand the gospel through the Holy Spirit. He has the power to change our hearts, that is our thoughts, desires, and emotions. The Holy Spirit makes a change in us which is real and permanent. That's the gospel in power (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Understand the gospel is salvation in Christ alone. We confess is Lord, because we believe He is risen from the dead (Romans 10:9). That's the power of the Holy Spirit in you. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. The power of the Holy Spirit is found through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).

Understand the gospel is not forced upon you against your will. However, through the gospel you are empowered to do God's will. "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Through the gospel, your will is set free from the bondage of sin to do the will of God. That's the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.

What Is Repentance?

Repentance is turning from unbelief to faith in God through Christ. That is "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus  Christ" (Acts 20:21). We were going in the wrong direction, which is unbelief. We turn and go in the opposite direction, that is faith in Christ.

Left to ourselves, we have no desire to turn from the old life of sin and unbelief. We have pleasure in our sin and depravity. We see no reason to trust in Christ. Only until the Holy Spirit convicts and convinces us of our need for Christ are we awakened to our lost condition. The Spirit of grace awakens us to our condemnation in sin (John 16:8-11).

Awakened to our true condition before God, we are enabled to truly repent and trust Christ. The Spirit of grace who awakens us, also enables us to turn from the old life to become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God grants us repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). The Holy Spirit enables us to have faith in Christ (Galatians 5:5). By the grace of God, we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance is a change of mind about sin and Christ. When we repent, our hearts are transformed and our minds are renewed by the Spirit of God. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).