Christ is all.
Orientation
The desire for holiness is real, but seeking it through self-effort leads to frustration and failure.
- The new birth creates a genuine desire for God's law in the inward man.
- Yet, the law of sin in our members creates a constant internal conflict.
- Turning to religious performance to solve this conflict is a natural but fatal error.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. (Romans 7:21-22)
— Romans 7:21-22
Clarification
Sanctification is not a process we manage, but a Person we receive.
- God does not give us a method for holiness separate from Christ.
- To treat sanctification as a goal to be achieved is to deny Christ's sufficiency.
- Our holiness is found in a relationship, not in a regimen.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
— 1 Corinthians 1:30
Structure
God has made Christ to be the believer's all-sufficient spiritual provision.
- Christ is our righteousness, securing our standing before God.
- Christ is our sanctification, satisfying and securing our holiness.
- Christ is our life and reward, guaranteeing our future glory.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
— Colossians 3:4
Weight-Bearing Prose
The Pauline revelation is clear: Christ is the exclusive source. He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor 1:30). This is not supplemental; it is fundamental. Justification is not merely a legal status but includes our inheritance, which is Christ Himself (Rom 4:13). Our sanctification is equally located in His person. The internal conflict described in Romans 7—the delight of the inward man versus the law of sin in the members—is not resolved by effort but by recognizing this provision. To seek sanctification through any other means is to operate according to the flesh, which cannot please God (Rom 8:8). It is to trade the finished work for self-improvement, undermining the very basis of our sonship and inheritance. The object of faith for the regenerated believer is Christ as our all. This is the ‘mystery’ now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Integration
Your holiness is not a question of your effort, but of His person. Christ is your sanctification. He is your life. He is your shield and exceeding great reward (Gen 15:1). There is no pressure to advance or achieve, only the invitation to recognize what is already true in Him. The conflict you feel does not disqualify you; it points you to the One who is your peace. Rest here. Your standing, your holiness, and your future are secured in Christ alone. This is your landing place, your assurance. He is all.