Pauline Spirituality: Sanctification as Christ in You, Not a Patchwork of Works
Orientation
Many believers accept justification by faith but then revert to a works-based approach for sanctification, leading to spiritual famine and superficial growth.
- This creates a patchwork of moral rules from the Law or Jesus' earthly teachings.
- It treats sanctification as a project of human moral improvement.
- The result is exhaustion and confusion, not true transformation.
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
— Galatians 3:3
Clarification
Justification has always been by faith apart from works, with the difference between Old Testament saints and the Church being in inheritance, not the means of salvation.
- Abraham and David were justified by faith, not works (Romans 4).
- Old Testament saints inherited earthly promises; the Church inherits Christ's life and glorification.
- Any teaching that justification differed by period undermines the gospel.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)
— Romans 4:5
Structure
Sanctification is the indwelling life of Christ transforming the believer from within, not an external process of moral striving.
- Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
- This is the mystery uniquely revealed through Paul: 'Christ in you, the hope of glory.'
- It aligns with Old Testament typology where sanctification depended on blood and the altar.
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
— Colossians 1:27
Weight-Bearing Prose
Pauline revelation establishes that God justifies through faith apart from works consistently across all periods. The critical distinction is in inheritance: earthly promises for Old Testament saints versus the life, regeneration, and glorification of Christ for the Church (Romans 8). This is not a difference in the gospel but in the portion received by faith in the promised Seed (Galatians 3:16).
Sanctification, therefore, cannot be a separate project of works. It is Christ Himself as our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). The indwelling Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:10) is the transformative agent, producing the life of faith, thanksgiving, and love that flows from union with Him (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). This is the core of Pauline spirituality. To revert to law, the Sermon on the Mount, or any system of human effort for sanctification is to build with wood, hay, and stubble—it is to miss the substance for the shadow.
Integration
Your standing before God is secure in Christ’s finished work. Justification is by faith alone. Your sanctification is also by faith alone—it is Christ living in you. There is no pressure to advance or perform. The life that God produces is not your effort, but His life manifesting in you. Rest in this. Your growth is not measured by a checklist, but by a deepening reliance on the One who is your righteousness and your sanctification. This is your assurance and your peace. Christ in you is both the source and the goal.