The Ongoing Journey of Sanctification

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, there exists a longing - a deep, often unspoken desire to be more like our Savior. This yearning is not merely a fleeting emotion, but the very breath of the Holy Spirit within us, urging us onward in our journey of sanctification. It is a journey that begins the moment we first believe and continues until we stand face to face with our Lord in glory.

Beloved, let us consider the nature of this sacred journey. It is not a sudden transformation, like the caterpillar emerging fully formed from its chrysalis. Rather, it is a gradual, often imperceptible process, like the slow growth of a mighty oak from a tiny acorn. Day by day, moment by moment, the Spirit of God works within us, shaping us ever more into the image of Christ.

The Apostle Paul understood this well when he wrote to the Philippians, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, KJV). Note the continuous nature of this work - it is ongoing, progressive, unceasing. Our God is not content to leave us as we are, but is ever at work, refining, purifying, sanctifying.

Consider the analogy of the cherubim's wings, as seen in various biblical accounts. In the tabernacle, they are depicted with two wings. In Ezekiel's vision, they possess four. In John's Revelation, they appear with six. This progression is not mere coincidence, but a profound illustration of our increasing capacity for spiritual understanding and experience as we grow in grace.

At the outset of our faith journey, we may be like those cherubim with two wings - capable of flight, yet limited in our understanding and experience of God's ways. As we yield to the Spirit's work in our lives, we find our capacity expanding. Like the four-winged cherubim of Ezekiel's vision, we begin to soar higher, seeing more clearly the vastness of God's plan and purpose.

Yet our Lord is not content even with this growth. He continues to work in us, expanding our hearts and minds until we reach the fullness of our potential in Him - like the six-winged seraphim, ever ready to fly at His command, to comprehend His mysteries, to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

This journey of sanctification is not always easy or comfortable. Often, it involves passing through the refiner's fire, enduring trials that test our faith and purge us of impurities. We may find ourselves, like Job, crying out in the midst of our suffering, wondering at God's purpose. Yet even in these moments, especially in these moments, the work of sanctification continues.

Remember, dear one, that in this journey, understanding is not always necessary for progress. Our Lord Jesus himself said, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7, KJV). There will be times when we cannot comprehend the path we are on, when the work God is doing in us seems obscure or even painful. In these moments, we are called not to understanding, but to trust.

The key is not in knowing every step of the way, but in staying close to the One who knows the end from the beginning. As we walk with Him, talk with Him, abide in His presence, we find ourselves changed - often in ways we cannot immediately perceive. It is a work of grace, accomplished not by our striving, but by our yielding to the gentle yet persistent working of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, let us be warned against the twin dangers that often assail us on this journey: pride and complacency. As we grow in grace and knowledge, it can be tempting to look down on those who seem less advanced in their spiritual walk. We may begin to trust in our own understanding, to rely on our own strength, forgetting that every step of progress is a gift of grace.

Equally perilous is the trap of complacency - the false belief that we have "arrived" spiritually, that there is no further need for growth or change. Beloved, as long as we draw breath in this earthly realm, the work of sanctification continues. There is always more of God to know, more of His character to reflect, more of His love to experience and share.

How then shall we approach this lifelong journey of sanctification? With humility, recognizing that we are ever dependent on God's grace. With patience, understanding that true transformation takes time. With hope, knowing that He who began the good work in us will be faithful to complete it. And with joy, for every step of progress brings us closer to the heart of our beloved Savior.

Dear reader, wherever you find yourself on this journey today, take heart. Whether you are just beginning, spreading your first set of spiritual wings, or whether you have been soaring in the heights with God for many years, know that there is still more. More growth, more understanding, more intimacy with your Lord awaits you. Embrace the process, yield to the Spirit's work, and watch in wonder as He transforms you from glory to glory.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, Author and Perfecter of our faith, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the ongoing work of sanctification in our lives. We marvel at Your patience, Your persistence, Your unwavering commitment to conforming us to the image of Your Son.

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have resisted Your transforming work. For the moments we have clung to our old nature, fearing the pain of change. For the instances where pride has blinded us to our need for continued growth, or where complacency has dulled our hunger for more of You.

We invite You afresh into every area of our lives. Search us, O God, and know our hearts. Try us, and know our thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. Expand our capacity to know You, to love You, to serve You. Increase our spiritual understanding, that we might soar ever higher in our walk with You.

Grant us the humility to recognize our constant need for Your grace, the patience to endure the process of transformation, and the joy to embrace each step of the journey. May we never become satisfied with where we are, but always press on toward the high calling we have in Christ Jesus.

Use every circumstance, every trial, every blessing to shape us more into the likeness of our Savior. And may our progressive sanctification be a testimony to Your grace, drawing others to the beauty of life in Christ.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)