Obedience, Grace, and Growth: The True Path of Sanctification

What does the Bible really teach about sanctification and the Christian life? In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell address the vital question of how believers are to pursue sanctification without falling into the traps of moralism on one side or quietism on the other. Many Christians find themselves confused when it comes to spiritual growth. Some are taught that sanctification is all about strict rule-keeping, obedience to countless external standards, and working out their faith entirely in their own strength. Others are told to simply “let go and let God,” as if Christian growth requires no discipline, no striving, and no intentional effort. But neither of these extremes represents true sanctification according to Scripture.

Dr. Caldwell explains that sanctification is the ongoing work of God in the believer’s life, a work that involves both divine grace and human responsibility. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:10 and Philippians 2:12–13 provide the framework. On the one hand, Paul declares, “By the grace of God I am what I am,” showing that it is always the grace of God that makes sanctification possible. Yet he also says, “I worked harder than any of them,” demonstrating that Christian obedience requires discipline, faithfulness, and effort. In Philippians, Paul instructs us to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, reminding us that God is the one at work in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. These verses teach the balance that defines progressive sanctification.

Sanctification is not about earning favor with God. Justification has already secured the believer’s right standing with Him. Instead, sanctification is about living out the new life that God has given us, a life rooted in the gospel of grace. This path of sanctification is the Christian’s daily calling, fueled by God’s Spirit and centered on Christ. As we grow in Christ, we pursue holiness and obedience with humility and gratitude, knowing that apart from Christ we can do nothing. True sanctification always begins with the grace of God and flows into obedience that bears the fruit of the Spirit.

Dr. Caldwell highlights that Christian growth is both active and dependent. Believers discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness, but always in reliance on God’s grace and strength. Growth in holiness requires spiritual discipline, daily Bible intake, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word. It is not legalism to take God’s commands seriously. Obeying God’s Word is part of Christian discipleship and Christian maturity. At the same time, sanctification is not passivity. Quietism, or the idea that we simply sit still and wait for God to sanctify us apart from effort, is not biblical sanctification. God calls us to active Christian faithfulness and grace fueled effort as we walk in submission to Christ.

This episode also addresses how to avoid confusing sanctification with perfectionism or works-based righteousness. Justification, sanctification, and glorification are distinct but connected. Justification declares us righteous in Christ. Progressive sanctification is the ongoing growth in holiness as God conforms us to the image of His Son. Glorification is the final state when we will be perfected in Christ’s presence. Understanding this biblical framework helps believers see that the Christian life is one of continual growth in grace, obedience, and dependence upon God.

The conversation reminds us that true sanctification is marked by a love for God, a humble submission to Christ, and a joyful pursuit of holiness. It is God’s Spirit producing in us the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is what it means to experience Christian growth and spiritual growth that honors the Lord.

If you have ever struggled with whether your Christian life is marked by too much striving or too much passivity, this episode will help you find the biblical path of sanctification. Dr. Caldwell makes clear that obedience and grace are not enemies.