Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in us whereby our
Sanctification is 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 within us over time the virtues of Christlike character.
The teacher of holiness, Jerry Bridges, once proclaimed: “Sanctification is 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 within us over time the virtues of Christlike character.” In these words he unveils the sacred mystery of sanctification, the slow but certain transformation of the soul into the likeness of the Divine. It is not the labor of man alone, but the eternal work of the Holy Spirit, who shapes the clay of our hearts with unseen hands.
For sanctification is a journey, not a single moment. Day by day, as the Spirit breathes upon us, the stains of sin are lessened, and the old nature gives way to new life. What once bound us in darkness loosens its grip, and what was barren begins to bloom with the fruit of righteousness. Thus, the soul is not perfected in haste, but is progressively changed, like dawn breaking slowly over the horizon.
This divine work frees us from sinful traits, those patterns of pride, envy, and selfish desire that mar the image of God within. In their place, the Spirit plants the seeds of virtue—patience, humility, love, and faithfulness—that, over time, grow strong and enduring. These are the Christlike virtues that mark a sanctified life, not as fleeting emotions, but as the steady character of one transformed by grace.
The wisdom of Bridges reminds us that this holy change is not wrought by human striving alone. It is the Holy Spirit who labors within, and our task is to yield, to trust, to walk in obedience. Just as the tree does not strain to bear fruit but abides in the nourishment of its roots, so too must we abide in God, that His Spirit may bring forth the harvest of holiness.
So let this teaching be carried forward: sanctification is both gift and calling. It is the slow liberation of the soul from the weight of sin, and the steady clothing of the heart in the virtues of Christ. To embrace this process is to walk the ancient path of transformation, where every step draws us nearer to the image of the One who made us.
ATLe Anh Tu
This quote makes me think about how sanctification leads us away from sin while drawing us closer to Christ’s virtues. It raises the question: how do we recognize the subtle shifts in our character as we’re being transformed? Can sanctification be measured by our ability to respond to challenges with grace and patience? How do we cultivate those Christlike virtues in everyday moments?
QLTran Quang Le
Bridges’ description of sanctification brings up the important idea that it's a work done by the Holy Spirit, not by human willpower alone. But how do we cultivate an awareness of the Spirit's presence in our lives? Are there specific practices or habits that help us remain open to this progressive transformation, allowing our inner being to be more aligned with Christlike virtues?
JHJENNY HOANG
I appreciate how Jerry Bridges emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. It’s comforting to think that sanctification doesn’t solely depend on our efforts, but on God’s transformation within us. But does this mean that if we’re not experiencing change or growth, we’re somehow resisting the Holy Spirit? How do we recognize when we’re actively cooperating with the Spirit in this process?
TTNguyen Thanh Tien
The idea that sanctification is a gradual process makes me wonder how this works practically in our lives. If our inner being is being progressively changed, does that mean we should expect a continual, slow shift in our behaviors and attitudes over time? How can we measure our growth in Christlike character, and what role does personal effort play in this spiritual transformation?
DHNguyen Duy Hung
Jerry Bridges' definition of sanctification is deeply transformative, focusing on the Holy Spirit’s work in shaping our character. It makes me reflect on how sanctification isn't an instant process but a gradual, ongoing transformation. How does this perspective change how we view our struggles with sin? Can we be patient with ourselves knowing that sanctification is a journey, not an immediate outcome?