As Christians we go through a spritual metamorphosis, which is based on the Greek word for 'transformed' in 2 Cor. 3:18. This metamorphosis is very similar to the change of a caterpillar to a butterfly.
Sanctification is defined as the work of the Holy Spirit in us whereby our inner being is progressively changed, freeing us more and more from sinful traits and developing with in us over time the virtues of Christ like character.
Sanctification begins at the time of conversion via regeneration, Jer. 31:33, Ezek. 36:26-27, 2 Cor. 5:17, Titus 3:5. It is a new disposition that delights in God's law because God's law is now written on our hearts.
We also become united to Christ as a new creation, 2 Cor. 5:17. Some other Scriptures around that are, "born again" John 3:3-8, born of the Spirit John 3:6, 8, and Titus 3:5.
Regeneration allows us to enter the Kingdom of God, John 3:5, and is solely the work of God the Holy Spirit. Justification and regeneration go hand in hand.
Sanctification is another word for transformation, 2 Cor. 3:18.
"Regeneration is an act of God's Spirit. Sanctification is a work of God's Spirit, consequent upon that act...In regeneration we become 'new-born babes;' in sanctification we attain the stature of full-grown men in Christ Jesus."
-William Plumer
Justification and sanctification are inseperable, 1 Cor. 1:30, 6:11. Both are from God and are accomplished in faith. Justification is what Christ did for us. Sanctification is what Christ works in us. Justification and regeneration God acts alone while sanctification God works in us and elicits our response to cooperate with Him.
Grace is God's unmerited favor through Jesus Christ, and God's divine assistance to us through the Holy Spirit.
Cooperation through the sanctification process is the pursuit of holiness, which is dependent on discipline, Phil. 4:13. The goal is to develop a likeness to Jesus Christ, Rom. 8:29, and be molded into the likeness of Christ, Eph. 4:24, Heb. 12:10, 1 Pet. 1:16.
The way we do this is by studying Jesus' character, Heb. 1:9, John 6:38, and by seeking to do the will of the Father just like Christ did. And just like Psa. 40:8 we delight in seeking and doing God's will, John 8:29.
Another thing to keep in mind is that God looks at the motive of the heart, 1 Chron. 28:9, Prov. 16:2, 1 Cor. 4:5.
This process is lifelong, and not attained completely in this life. It's a work from one stage of glory to the next 2 Cor. 3:18. There is a conflict between sin nature and the Holy Spirit, Gal. 5:17, Rom. 7:14-25.
"The Holy Spirit is continually shining His spotlight of conviction into the recesses of our hearts, revealing sinful attitudes and actions of which we were not aware."
As we attempt to deal with sins, we discover how entrenched they are and not easily budged. However, there is a difference between sin living in us vs. us living in sin and complacency in regards to sin vs. struggling with sin.
The Holy Spirit transforms us, 1 Thes. 5:23-24, Phil. 1:6, Heb. 13:21 because sanctification is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, 2 Thes. 2:13, 1 Pet. 1:2.
We do have certain responsibilities with sanctification. Exhortations, challenges, and commands to obey and spiritual disciplines to be practiced. The work of the HS in us may be mysterious, however He uses rational means of sanctification through things like: adversities, encouraging others, learning and applying Scripture, and prayer.
Beholding glory of Christ 2 Cor. 3:18 is also a method of transformation. God is infinite, eternal, holy, sovereign, good, etc. The glory of the law vs. far-surpassing glory of gospel. The gospel is the glory of God in both righteousness and grace.
Legal thinking vs. gospel thinking gives sin an advantage. Guilt can halt pursuit of holiness as well as pride.
"The cleansing of our consciences from the guilt of sin must precede our efforts to deal with the presence of sin in our daily lives."
Heb. 9:14
We can't serve God with a guilty conscience so we behold the glory of the Lord as displayed in the gospel, and preach the gospel to ourselves daily.
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