THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN SANCTIFICATION

2 Corinthians 3:18
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Sanctification is the process…
Justification occurs at a point in time; sanctification is
a process over time. (Rom. 3:21-26; 1 Cor. 1:18; Heb. 10:14)
Justification refers to how we stand before God; sanctification
refers to how we live before God. (Rom. 5:1-8:39; Gal. 2:15-21)
Justification knows no degrees; sanctification progresses
in degrees. (2 Cor. 3:18)

by which God…
We are sanctified by God the Father. (2 Cor. 1:21-22; 16:14)
We are sanctified in God the Son. (Exod. 34:29-35; 2 Cor. 3:16-18)
We become like what we behold.
The more we look to Christ, the more we look
like Christ.
We are sanctified through God the Spirit.
(2 Cor. 3:1-18; Jer. 31:31-33; Ezek. 36:26-27)
Spiritless Christianity…
Relies on external regulations.
Revolves around our performance for God.
Results in condemnation and death.
Spirit-filled Christianity…
Relies on internal transformation.
Revolves around God’s performance in us.
Results in salvation and life.

transforms our lives…
See the battle for transformation. (2 Cor. 2:11; 10:3; 11:13-15)
God transforms our minds. (2 Cor. 10:3-6; 11:3-6)
God transforms our affections. (2 Cor. 7:10)
God transforms our wills. (2 Cor. 5:9-10; 12:19-21)
God transforms our relationships.
We show the love of Christ to each other in the church.
(2 Cor . 2:4; 5:14; 6:1 1-13; 7:2-4; 1 1:2, 11; 12:14-15, 19)
We spread the love of Christ to others in the world.
Through a clear reflection of God’s holiness. (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1)
Through the urgent proclamation of God’s gospel.
(2 Cor. 4:1-6)
See your need for examination. (2 Cor. 13:5-10)

into the image of Christ...
Our sanctification will not be complete in this world.
(Rom. 7:18-19; 1 Jn. 1:8-10)
This is not an excuse for spiritual laziness. (1 John 2:1-6; 3:4-10)
This is an exhortation to spiritual perseverance. (Heb. 12:1-3)
Our sanctification will be complete in the world to come. (1 John 3:2-3)
Thanks Pastor David!