The Christian life has been described as an uphill journey. Others have labeled it as an upstream lifestyle, which is the direct opposite of the lazy lagoon method of so many people who simply go with the flow through life. The world, the flesh, and the devil are actively seeking to pull God’s children off course. When Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress followed “Vain Glory” off course, it led to a discouraging end—the dungeon of Doubting Castle.

Why is sanctification essential for the Christian? Quite simply put, it’s God’s will for his people to be sanctified and it’s through this sanctification that each of God’s children receives the assurance of their salvation. Without sanctification there is either rebellion as a child of God or proof that a person is not a genuine Christian. “Sanctification” comes from two Latin words: sanctus which means holy, and ficare which means make. So, in a most literal sense, to sanctify means to make holy. True progressive sanctification leads away from legalism and toward joy in Christ.

Hindrances to Sanctification

The Christian life has been described as an uphill journey. Others have labeled it as an upstream lifestyle, which is the direct opposite of the lazy lagoon method of so many people who simply go with the flow through life. The world, the flesh, and the devil are actively seeking to pull God’s children off course. When Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress followed “Vain Glory” off course, it led to a discouraging end—the dungeon of Doubting Castle.

Following Bad Examples: All through the New Testament, we find Paul encouraging others to follow in his footsteps. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Ultimately we follow Christ, but in this life, we must consider the examples who walk before us. At times, we will have poor examples and we must have discernment to withstand the temptation to follow in their footsteps. Far too often Christians become lazy in their walk with the Lord and find themselves following the example of people who are often not genuine Christians or those who are living in sin.

It’s essential to follow the example of those who walk closely with the Lord. We find these words in 3 John 11, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” Ultimately, the elders of your church should be setting a good example worthy of imitation as noted in Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

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