Faith in God’s Work, Not in Our Limitations: Embracing the Process of Sanctification

Introduction: Faith Beyond Our Own Limitations

As Christians, we’re called to put our faith in God’s active work within us, not in our limited sense of worth, ability, or capability. Too often, we measure ourselves by what we feel we can accomplish or by the failures that hold us back. But Scripture tells us that the final work of making us holy—our sanctification—will ultimately be completed not by our effort but by God’s grace, through His power. This calls for a shift in focus and a re-centering of our faith on Him.

God’s Word provides a clear picture of what this means for us: He is the one who brings us to completion, and while He calls us to participate in this journey, it is His grace that sustains, forgives, and enables us to grow.

1. The Promise of God’s Completed Work in Us

The Bible promises that our sanctification—our journey of being made holy—will reach its ultimate goal through God’s power. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” This is a powerful assurance. We can trust that God is faithful to bring our transformation to its intended end.

This perspective offers freedom from discouragement. While we’re called to participate in the process, the ultimate end—our glorification and complete holiness—rests securely in God’s hands. This promise lets us rest in His faithfulness rather than obsess over our limitations or shortcomings.

2. The Grace that Covers Our Shortcomings

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares a profound truth: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.” God’s grace not only forgives our sins; it covers all forms of human brokenness—whether physical, emotional, or moral. His grace sustains us and allows us to continue in the journey, even when we fall short.

Scripture invites us to confess our failures and to return to God continually (1 John 1:8-9), trusting in His mercy: “If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” Sanctification is a work of grace, and this ongoing forgiveness and cleansing is part of God’s commitment to finish what He began. We can trust that, even when we struggle, God’s grace is enough to keep us moving forward in this journey.

3. Our Participation in Sanctification—A Journey of Faith, Not Self-Sufficiency

Sanctification isn’t passive; we are called to be active participants. Philippians 2:12-13 expresses this balance well: “So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God.” While we put in effort, we recognize that God is at work within us, empowering our growth.

Here lies a healthy tension: we strive toward holiness, but we know that our work does not achieve the final outcome. We’re called to walk in obedience, trusting that God is using even our imperfect efforts as part of His work in us. Faith in this journey isn’t about self-sufficiency but a response to God’s calling, knowing He will accomplish what we cannot.

4. Positional vs. Progressive Sanctification

The New Testament introduces two aspects of sanctification. Positional sanctification is the holiness we have in Christ through justification; it is complete and unchanging. Even in their imperfections, believers are seen as “holy ones” or “saints” in Christ because of their union with Him. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses the Corinthians as “those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” despite the many issues in their church (see also Hebrews 10:10, 14; 1 Corinthians 6:11). This positional sanctification is a work God accomplishes through Christ, securing our identity as holy in His sight.

Progressive sanctification, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of becoming holy in character and conduct. This process requires active participation, as believers are called to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self, continually growing into Christ’s likeness (Ephesians 4:22-24, 5:1-2; Romans 6:11-14; 2 Corinthians 7:1). Scripture commands believers to be actively engaged in resisting sin and pursuing holiness, cooperating with the Spirit’s work in shaping us to reflect Jesus more fully.

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are positionally holy, but in this life, we are also on a journey to become what we already are in God’s sight. We participate in progressive sanctification, knowing it doesn’t depend solely on us. We will never reach the final end of sanctification by our power, but we trust that God is actively shaping us and will ultimately make us whole.

5. Faith in God’s Grace, Not in Our Capabilities

Because of human limitations, we often doubt our worth or impact in God’s kingdom. But sanctification is not about proving ourselves worthy; it’s about relying on God’s provision. Our role is to trust in His grace and mercy, knowing He can do His work within us despite our limitations.

Faith in God’s grace frees us from the constant pressure to achieve “spiritual success” and reminds us that our value is not in our accomplishments. God calls us to trust Him, believing that He can use even our weaknesses to glorify Himself and to build us up in ways we cannot always see.

6. Trusting in God’s Vision for Us, Not Our Own Expectations

Finally, we must allow our expectations to be shaped by God’s Word, not by our own assumptions. Sometimes, we impose unrealistic expectations on ourselves, leading to disappointment or discouragement when we fall short. Instead, faith calls us to trust in what God has revealed as our purpose and limits.

Faith means accepting the boundaries God has set for us, understanding that He is fully aware of our limitations and loves us despite them. His plans for us are enough. Rather than presuming what we “should” be able to accomplish, true faith trusts that God’s expectations and resources are sufficient for the journey He has given us.

Conclusion: Faith in God’s Complete and Sustaining Mercy

The journey of sanctification is one of faith in God’s mercy and grace. While we participate actively, the final result—our glorification and complete transformation—belongs to Him. As Paul says in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Though we stumble, we rest in God’s forgiveness and His ability to carry us to completion.

Our faith is not in our power to achieve sanctification, but in God’s faithfulness to bring us to full maturity in Christ. Let us lean into this truth, trusting that God’s grace is not only sufficient for our weaknesses but is also actively at work, moving us toward the day when we will stand blameless in His presence.