Sanctifying Grace: A Divine Transformation
A study of sanctifying grace.
1. Grace and Sanctification Defined
1.1 The Nature of Grace
Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11; Romans 5:15
- Grace is God's unmerited favor, freely given to humanity.
- It is the source of our salvation and spiritual growth.
- It empowers us to live a life pleasing to Him.
1.2 Understanding Sanctification
Verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:14
- Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's purpose.
- It is a progressive work of the Spirit, transforming us into the image of Christ.
- It involves both an initial act and a lifelong journey.
2. Receiving Sanctifying Grace
2.1 Faith as the Gateway
Verses: Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 11:6
- Faith is the key to receiving God's grace.
- Through faith, we access the power of the Spirit to overcome sin.
- Faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's Word.
2.2 Repentance and Transformation
Verses: Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 13:3
- Repentance is turning away from sin and turning towards God.
- It is a necessary step in receiving forgiveness and experiencing sanctification.
- It involves a change of heart and a commitment to follow Christ.
2.3 The Significance of Water Baptism
Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
- Water baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward transformation.
- It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
- It is an act of obedience and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
2.4 The Baptism of the Spirit
Verses: Acts 1:5; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46
- The baptism of the Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, is the infilling of God's power.
- It empowers believers for service and witness.
- It is a distinct experience from water baptism and is promised to all believers.
3. Living in Sanctifying Grace
3.1 The Role of the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:16; John 16:13; Romans 8:14
- The Spirit empowers us to live a holy life.
- He guides us into truth and convicts us of sin.
- He enables us to bear fruit and manifest the character of Christ.
3.2 Our Responsibility in Sanctification
Verses: James 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 10:24-25
- We must actively resist temptation and sin.
- We must cultivate a life of prayer and study of the Word.
- We must fellowship with other believers for encouragement and accountability.
4. The Purpose of Sanctifying Grace
4.1 The Goal of Sanctification
Verses: Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 1:15-16
- Sanctification is not about earning God's favor, but about responding to His grace.
- It is a process of becoming more like Christ, reflecting His love and character.
- It is a journey of faith, empowered by the Spirit, leading to a closer relationship with God.