In a world full of sin and heartbreak, the gospel of Jesus Christ gives every human being the opportunity to be new and transformed into the individual that God is creating them to be. Author and theologian, John MacArthur defined sanctification as “the progressive disconnects in the life of a believer from sin” (MacArthur 2020).
Sanctification is a major turning point in the spiritual life of a believer. Sanctification gives the believer peace and joy that the things of this world cannot. British philosopher H.H. Price said,“A spiritual person has a certain serenity and inward peace which others cannot help envying and even admiring” (Price 2013). The truth is that sanctification gives an individual happiness that is often indescribable. How does sanctification give an individual happiness? It is quite simple. Christ is the giver of peace. Marvin Vincent describes it as
“Christ is thus not merely our peacemaker, but our very peace itself” (Vincent 1924).
The closer an individual grows to Christ, the more peace an individual will experience. That does not mean that trials and tribulations will not occur. Challenging times in life are inescapable. The fact is that no human being can ever go through life without experiencing pain and loss. However, an individual can learn to experience joy in their suffering. Sanctification helps in that process because it sends the believers' eyes and hearts towards Christ and not the things of this world. Man can spend their entire life seeking joy and happiness from the things of this world and die in a state of regret. However, as soon an individual gives their life to Christ and begins and they experience sanctification, their life begins the transformation process that will give the fulfillment that this world cannot give. Sanctification is part of the foundation to a life that is rooted in Christ.