Progressive Sanctification: Understanding Our Union with Christ

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing, often slow and messy process of becoming more like Christ over a lifetime. It is distinct from positional sanctification, which is the permanent status of being made holy through union with Christ. This journey is rooted deeply in an unchanging relationship with Christ, where growth flows from love and relationship rather than mere obedience or performance.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of seeing sanctification as "progressive nearness" to God, focused on growing affections and dependence on Him rather than just eradicating sin. The speakers highlight how God's patient, committed love carries us through ups and downs, assuring believers that despite struggles, they "can't not grow" because God is at work within them (Philippians 1:6).

This relational foundation frees believers from legalism and despair, encouraging them to trust God's persistent grace as the bedrock for transformation, illustrated beautifully by the metaphor of a parent patiently teaching a child. As David Powlison's imagery notes, spiritual growth is like a yo-yo being carried upward—a journey of both setbacks and progress guaranteed by God's faithfulness.

• Progressive sanctification is a slow, ongoing process of becoming more like Christ throughout a believer's life.
• This growth is often messy and slow but is grounded in the believer's union with Christ.

• Root your progressive sanctification in your union with Christ to avoid legalism or cynicism.
• Trust that God's love is unchanging and delights in you, freeing you to grow in grace.