When I was young in the faith, I often doubted my salvation. I didn’t fully understand what it meant to grow in Christ, and without true discipleship in my life, I was lost on how to navigate the sanctification process. I thought being a Christian meant instant change, but when I struggled with sin and weaknesses, I wondered, “Am I even saved?” What I didn’t realize back then was that sanctification is a journey—a process of becoming more and more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t until I submitted to His refining work and embraced the process that I discovered the beauty of growing in His grace.

For the believer, sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus—holy, set apart, and perfect, lacking nothing (“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4). It is essential because it aligns us with God’s will and equips us to live as His witnesses in the world. This is not something we can achieve on our own; if that was the case, I would not have struggled for so many years. 2 Corinthians 3:18 confirms that it is a work of the Holy Spirit in us, molding and refining us into Christ’s image (“But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18).

If you are wondering, why am I talking about this thought, “No Shortcuts”? Well, as believers in Jesus, there are 3 reasons we cannot and must not reject sanctification.

1. Sanctification is God’s Will for Us
   1 Thessalonians 4:3 tells us, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” In a world filled with moral compromise, the early Christians in Thessalonica were called to live holy lives, set apart from the culture around them. Sanctification reflects God’s desire for His people to be distinct, walking in purity and obedience. Rejecting sanctification is rejecting God’s will. It is through this process that we shine as lights in a dark world, demonstrating His transformative power.
2. Sanctification Confirms Our Identity as God’s Children
   The author of Hebrews likened God’s sanctifying work in Hebrews 12 verses 10 and 11 to the discipline of a loving parent. In the Greco-Roman world, discipline was a sign of legitimate sonship. A child who was not disciplined was not truly considered part of the family. When we embrace sanctification, we affirm our identity as beloved children of God. It is through this discipline that we grow in holiness and reflect His righteousness. (“For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:10-11)
3. Sanctification Prepares Us for Eternal Glory
   Philippians 1:6 reminds us by saying, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul wrote to the Philippians, encouraging them to trust in God’s faithfulness to complete the work He started in their lives. This “good work” refers to their spiritual growth and ultimate perfection that we have in Christ. Sanctification is not just for this life—it is preparation for eternity. Rejecting it would mean hindering the work God intends to perfect in us, robbing us of the joy of being fully conformed to Christ’s image.

There are no shortcuts in sanctification, but there is abundant grace. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, knowing that God is committed to finishing the good work He started in you. Every challenge and trial are a step closer to becoming like Jesus—perfect, complete, and lacking nothing.