What to Expect When You're Entirely Sanctified

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Entire sanctification will probably not involve God removing your temptations.

It will definitely involve effort to resist temptation (Heb. 12:4).

You will lean into what is already true about you because you were united with Christ at salvation (Rom. 6:1-10), believing and living out what is already true (Rom. 6:11-14). And as you pursue being influenced by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), He will bless your effort. You will find that you have abilities you didn't know you had--abilities like...
  • Working with God on the renewal of your mind and growing in your ability to discern God's will and how good it is (Rom. 12:2).
  • Practicing and growing in gratitude toward God (Eph. 5:19-20).
    That seems like it would involve practicing viewing things that happen in your life as under His control and as evidence of His goodness, wisdom, and power.
    Seeing things that way will probably help you speak to others in God-glorifying ways (Eph. 5:19).
  • Submitting to other believers, not necessarily because they are right but because it is a way to honor Christ (Eph. 5:21).
  • Wives practicing submitting to their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24).
  • Husbands practicing self-surrendering love for their wives (Eph. 5:25-33).
These abilities usually do not show up as feelings. 

You probably won't feel like you can practice gratitude toward God for His power, goodness and wisdom in the midst of unjust suffering (Heb. 10:34)--but you try it, and you find out that you can. (You'll probably find out that it's easier if you find some other believers and do it in concert with them.)

You probably won't feel like you can speak honestly, quietly and lovingly to your spouse when you feel belittled or impatient--but you try it, and you find out that you can. (One way to get better at this might be to talk to a professional Christian counselor you trust.)

Like any worthwhile pursuit, ability grows through disciplined effort over time. 

Disciplined effort over time is easier when you do it with other people.

And because you're walking in step with the Holy Spirit, you'll find that He lets your effort to be like Jesus have far greater results than you ever could have expected.


Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.
Dallas Willard

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