Perspective Shift – Positional, Perfect, and Progressive

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I Am Holy”. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV)

“Be ye holy; for I Am Holy”, is a portion of scripture that is often a source or cause of contention and personal struggle for Christians and unbelievers alike. So, for the edification of all I'll share what God has been revealing to me. There is a tri-dimensional state of a child of God. For the purposes of understanding I will refer to these as Positional, Perfect, and Progressive sanctification. According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary the word sanctification is used of (a) separation to God, (b) the course of life befitting those so separated. The new testament uses this to refer to the call of God for the believer to be separate from evil things and ways. First, our Positional sanctification. Christians ARE the righteousness of God IN Christ Jesus. This is our positional and immediate sanctification at the point of accepting Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. This is our new identity through Jesus' sacrifice and blood covering. Through the power of the Blood, God the Father sees us as perfect, clean, and complete. This is our position in Christ by Grace through faith.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NJKV

Perfect sanctification is the completed and perfected state we will enjoy for all eternity in Heaven. In this state we will be given a new body. We will be without sin, temptation, weaknesses, fear, pain, and regret, or any other thing we faced while on this earthly plane.

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I Am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 20:7 (KJV)

Progressive sanctification is a life where you choose a new line of thinking, aligned with God’s word. In this stage you learn to live out your positional sanctification according to your new identity in Christ. This is an internal sanctification process, that manifests naturally, over time, and with consistency. It can only be born of an intimate lifelong relationship with Jesus. It is a posture of a repentant heart, a desire and willingness to follow God, and active participation with the Spirit.

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

This life transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit and is the result of seeking after the things of God. The things of God can be found first in the Word. If you don't know His Word it's easier to be misled, deceived, bound, and blinded to the Truth that never changes. The Word is our compass that lights our paths on the journey of progressive sanctification.

“For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14 (KJV) Be blessed and be a blessing. Kindness is contagious.