Soteriology 101: Sanctification Part 3

Soteriology 101

Justification, Sanctification, Glorification

January 11, 2026 Pastor Dennis Gross

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:22 ESV

Sanctification Part 3

We Have Help.

John 15:1-17, John 16:4-15

1. We are ‘helped’ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be holy (John 14:16-17).

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

a. He encourages, corrects, teaches and comforts.

b. He is another ‘Helper’ and is with us forever.

Greek = Parakletos or Paraclete – summoned, called to one’s side, called to one’s aid.

2. The purpose is to be conformed into Jesus’ image.

a. It is the Spirit who helps, intercedes, searches and will use all things to work for good as we are being conformed. (Romans 8:26-29)

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

b. It’s a process. (2 Corinthians 3:18).

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

c. We are to put to death what is earthly in us. (Colossians 3:5-11).

3. Ultimately God predestined, called, justified and also glorified us to be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:30)

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Don’t let ANYTHING, that ultimately means NOTHING, get in the way of the ONE THING, that ultimately means EVERYTHING! JESUS!

Talk it out, Walk it out!

1. Do you rely on the help of the Spirit or are you striving in your flesh to be holy?

2. Are you willing to be conformed to the image of Jesus?

3. What are the areas that you recognize God’s work in conforming you in to the image of His Son.

4. What are aspects of your life that you are not conformed in?