The concept of progression toward holiness is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the believer's journey of sanctification and spiritual growth. Holiness, in the biblical sense, refers to being set apart for God's purposes and living in a manner that reflects His character. This progression is a dynamic process that involves both divine initiative and human response.

Biblical Foundation

The call to holiness is rooted in the character of God Himself. Leviticus 11:44 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to pursue holiness as a reflection of their relationship with God. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is written, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Sanctification: The Process of Becoming Holy

Sanctification is the theological term used to describe the process of becoming holy. It is both a definitive act and a progressive journey. At the moment of salvation, believers are positionally sanctified, set apart for God. Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

However, sanctification is also an ongoing process. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in Philippians 3:12-14, where he writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's progression toward holiness. It is through the Spirit's work that believers are transformed into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live in obedience to God's commands. Galatians 5:16-17 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."

Human Responsibility

While sanctification is a work of God, believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth. This involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. James 4:8 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Believers are also called to put off the old self and put on the new self, as described in Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Challenges and Perseverance

The journey toward holiness is not without challenges. Believers face spiritual warfare, temptation, and the ongoing struggle against sin. However, they are encouraged to persevere, trusting in God's faithfulness. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Ultimate Fulfillment

The progression toward holiness will ultimately be fulfilled in the believer's glorification, when they are fully conformed to the image of Christ. 1 John 3:2 offers this hope: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is."