How Can We Grow In Holiness As Believers?
Growing in Holiness: The Journey of Every Believer
Holiness is a central theme in the Christian life. God calls His people to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15 ASV). But what does it mean to grow in holiness, and how can believers pursue it in their daily lives? Let’s explore the biblical foundation, practical steps, and the spiritual resources God provides for our growth in holiness.
The Foundation: God’s Work and Our Response
Holiness begins with God, not ourselves. At salvation, believers are set apart—made holy—by the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is often called positional sanctification. Yet, the New Testament also teaches that believers are to continually grow in holiness, which is progressive sanctification.
But like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:15–16 ASV
We are declared holy through faith in Christ, but we are also called to live out that holiness in our daily conduct (1 Corinthians 6:11 ASV). This is only possible because God works within us through His Spirit.
For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13 ASV
Practical Steps in Growing in Holiness
1. Abiding in Christ
Holiness is not achieved by mere willpower but by abiding in a relationship with Jesus. Christ Himself is the source of our holiness.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. - John 15:4 ASV
2. The Role of God’s Word
Scripture is God’s primary tool for shaping our character. As we read, meditate, and obey God’s Word, our minds are renewed, and we are transformed.
Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. - John 17:17 ASV
3. Prayer
Prayer is essential for growth in holiness. Through prayer, we commune with God, confess our sins, and seek His strength to live a holy life.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:41 ASV
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit
We cannot produce holiness on our own. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 ASV
5. Confession and Repentance
Growth in holiness involves an ongoing process of recognizing our sins, confessing them, and turning away from them with God’s help.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 ASV
6. Fellowship and Accountability
Christian community plays a vital role in holiness. Through mutual encouragement and accountability, believers help each other grow in Christlikeness.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together... - Hebrews 10:24-25 ASV
God’s Promise: He Will Complete What He Started
Though the journey toward holiness can be challenging, God promises to complete the work He began in us. Growth in holiness is a lifelong process that culminates when we see Christ face to face.
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 ASV
Conclusion: Living Out Our Calling
Growing in holiness is not about attaining perfection in this life, but about becoming more like Jesus as we cooperate with God’s transforming work. By abiding in Christ, immersing ourselves in Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, praying, confessing our sins, and walking in fellowship with others, we will increasingly reflect God’s holy character to the world.