The Divine Work of the Holy Spirit: Part 8 - Sanctification, Positional and Progressive

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Divine Work Of The Holy Spirit: Part 8 - Sanctification, Positional & Progressive

The Holy Spirit’s sanctifying of believers is both positional and progressive.  Positional sanctification is the act whereby the Holy Spirit separates believers, ethically and morally, from the world.  

• Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:11

Because the Holy Spirit separated believers morally from the world underscores the commands to live in holiness and true righteousness.

• and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. - Ephesians 4:24
• Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. - Colossians 3:1-4

Being sanctified means being holy and righteous in this present evil world. 

While the Spirit has set believers apart positionally, there is the practical aspect of that sanctification, which plays out in the believer’s daily life.  Progressive sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit by which the believer progressively becomes holier. 

• because it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:16  

The Holy Spirit’s work of sanctifying began with salvation and is ongoing in the life of a believer.