Salvation 2025 | Day 29
“But we are bound to give thanks… because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
Did you know that salvation is not only about being rescued but also about being refined? The moment we receive Christ, we are saved and are declared righteous, but from that moment on, a new sacred process begins: sanctification. And it is the Holy Spirit who leads this process.
Unlike Salvation, which is instantaneous, sanctification is a purposeful, lifelong journey of becoming Christlike each day. It is much like the painful but necessary process of pruning a plant so it can bear more fruit. God’s goal is not only to get the believer to heaven but to form heaven within the believer, shaping them to reflect His glory and reach others.
To be sanctified is to be set apart, to become more like Jesus. It’s not about changing your outward behavior, but rather it’s about heart transformation. Once we are born again, the Holy Spirit begins to reveal areas that need healing, convicts us of pride, strengthens us to abandon sin, and gradually shapes our character.
In addition to the Holy Spirit leading the process of sanctification, other practical avenues through which God sanctifies us are 1) His word [John 17:17], 2) Trials and Discipline [Hebrews 12:10-11], 3) Prayer and Fellowship [Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 2:42], 4) Obedience and surrender [1 Thessalonians 4:3]
Just as a seed takes time to grow into a tree, you may sometimes feel frustrated by slow progress, but don’t despise the process. The Holy Spirit has not given up on you. Be reminded that every nudge, conviction, and uncomfortable moment of self-awareness is evidence that sanctification is ongoing.All you need is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and not to resist. You are not being punished, but you are being perfected. He is Alpha and Omega – trust Him to finish what He’s started.
Further reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 10:14; John 17:17 2 Cor 3:18; Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3
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