"聖化は私たちの内にある聖霊の働きであり私たちの考えと行動をキリストに従わせることです"
— Jerry Bridges
Simplified Meaning:
When someone talks about sanctification, they mean a process that helps people become better and more like Jesus in how they think and act. Imagine a sculptor working on a piece of stone, carefully chipping away to bring out a beautiful statue hidden inside. The sculptor is like the Holy Spirit, slowly and steadily shaping a person’s heart and mind. For example, if someone tends to get angry easily, the Holy Spirit helps them learn patience and kindness, making their behavior more like Jesus, who was always patient and kind. This change doesn’t happen overnight but gradually as they pray, read the Bible, and try to follow Jesus’s teachings. In practical terms, if a person wants to apply this to their life, they would be open to learning from their mistakes and seeking guidance through prayer and reading scripture. Over time, they would notice they react more calmly in stressful situations or become more forgiving. In essence, sanctification is about becoming a better, more loving person by following Jesus’s example with the help of the Holy Spirit.
