God's Ongoing Work in Us

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

This verse reminds us of the ongoing process of sanctification that each of us, as believers, experiences.

Sanctification, as Jesus spoke about in John 17, is about being set apart for God. In verse 16, Jesus says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it,” describing our distinct identity as His followers. He then prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (verse 17). This request to God the Father points to the transformative power of His truth, His Word in our lives.

In Christian theology, sanctification is a state of separation unto God. This separation begins the moment we are born again in Christ: “You are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). The sanctification mentioned here is a once-and-for-all separation of believers unto God. It is a work God performs, an integral part of our salvation and our connection with Christ (Hebrews 10:10). This aspect of holiness before God is often termed “positional” sanctification.

But sanctification is not only a position; it is a process—the process of growing spiritually to become more like Christ each day. The confidence we have, as stated in Philippians 1:6, is that it is God who began this good work in us, and He will continue it throughout our lives. He shapes us and uses all our experiences to refine us.

As you reflect on this process and your own spiritual walk, consider the ways God is working in your life today. How have you seen the growth and change that reflect God’s sanctifying work? Live this process with joy and anticipation, knowing that God is faithfully at work in you, leading you to spiritual maturity and a deeper communion with Him.