Spiritual Growth, Sanctification and Holiness
Growing in Grace
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are continually transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ, growing in faith, holiness, and love.
Spiritual growth is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, the study of Scripture, prayer, worship, service, and faithful obedience.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, our spiritual journey begins. God does not intend for believers to remain spiritually immature. Through the Holy Spirit, God shapes us, teaches us, strengthens us, and transforms us so that our lives increasingly reflect the character of Christ.
Spiritual growth is not about perfection. It is about faithfully following Jesus and allowing God to continue His work within us.
Scripture References
John 15:1–8
Romans 12:1–2
2 Corinthians 3:18
Galatians 5:22–23
Ephesians 4:11–16
Philippians 1:6
Colossians 2:6–7
2 Peter 1:5–8
2 Peter 3:18
What We Believe
Spiritual Growth Begins with Salvation
The Christian life begins when we trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Salvation is the starting point, not the finish line.
The Holy Spirit Produces Growth
The Holy Spirit works within believers to transform attitudes, desires, actions, and character. Spiritual growth is ultimately God’s work in us.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing work of God’s grace that transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
When we trust in Christ, God forgives our sins and makes us His children. However, God’s work in us does not stop there. Through the Holy Spirit, God continues to shape our character, deepen our faith, and help us grow in holiness.
Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions.
Justification and Sanctification
Christians often describe salvation in two closely related ways:
Justification is God’s act of forgiving our sins and restoring us to a right relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
Sanctification is God’s ongoing work of transforming us after we are saved.
Justification answers the question:
“How am I made right with God?”
Sanctification answers the question:
“How does God help me become more like Christ?”
Both are gifts of God’s grace.
The Wesleyan Understanding of Sanctification
John Wesley emphasized that God’s grace not only forgives us but also changes us.
Methodists believe that God desires believers to grow in holiness of heart and life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This growth includes:
Growing in love for God
Growing in love for others
Turning away from sin
Developing Christlike character
Serving faithfully
Living as disciples of Jesus Christ
Wesley taught that spiritual growth is not optional. It is a natural result of a living relationship with Christ.
Means of Grace
John Wesley described certain practices as “means of grace”—ways God regularly works in the lives of believers.
These include:
Prayer
Bible study
Worship
Holy Communion
Christian fellowship
Fasting
Acts of mercy
Service to others
Christian Perfection
One of Wesley’s most misunderstood teachings is Christian perfection.
Wesley did not teach that Christians become flawless or never make mistakes.
Instead, he taught that believers can grow toward a mature love for God and neighbor through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Christian perfection refers to a heart increasingly filled with God’s love and increasingly surrendered to God’s will.
Growth Happens Over Time
Just as physical growth takes time, spiritual growth develops throughout a lifetime. God patiently shapes His people through both joyful and difficult seasons.
Scripture Is Essential for Growth
The Bible teaches, corrects, encourages, and guides believers. Regular study of God’s Word is one of the primary ways Christians mature in faith.
Growth Leads to Christlikeness
The goal of spiritual growth is not simply knowledge. The goal is becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions.
Marks of Spiritual Growth
Growing believers increasingly demonstrate:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
Humility
Forgiveness
Compassion
A desire to serve others
A hunger for God’s Word
A deeper commitment to prayer
A growing love for God
A growing love for neighbor
A desire to obey Christ
A willingness to forgive
Humility and teachability
Generosity
Compassion
Faithfulness during trials
A heart for worship
A desire to serve others
Growing in Christlike Character
Spiritual growth is not measured only by what we know, but also by who we are becoming. As God sanctifies us, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly visible in our lives. Explore the Fruit of the Holy Spirit page to learn how God develops Christlike character in believers.
How Christians Grow
God uses many practices to help believers grow:
Prayer
Bible study
Worship
Christian fellowship
Serving others
Giving
Fasting
Confession
Participation in the Church
Using spiritual gifts
Sharing our faith
These practices are often called spiritual disciplines because they help us draw closer to God.
The Three-Legged Stool of Christian Discipleship
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we often describe spiritual growth using a three-legged stool:
Heart (Piety)
Growing in prayer, worship, devotion, and love for God.
Mind (Study)
Growing in biblical understanding, wisdom, and knowledge of God’s truth.
Hands (Action)
Growing through service, ministry, generosity, and living out our faith in daily life.
A healthy disciple develops all three areas together.
Why This Matters
Spiritual growth helps believers:
Know God more deeply.
Stand firm during trials.
Serve others effectively.
Discern truth from error.
Live with purpose and hope.
Reflect Christ to the world.
Growing Christians become stronger disciples and more faithful witnesses.
Living the Message
Spend time with God daily.
Read and study Scripture regularly.
Participate faithfully in worship.
Pray consistently.
Serve others with humility.
Use your spiritual gifts.
Seek opportunities to grow in faith and understanding.
Trust God’s work even during difficult seasons.
GROW Framework
Ground in Scripture
Read John 15:1–8 and Galatians 5:22–23.
Reasons We Believe
God desires His people to mature in faith and become more like Jesus Christ.
Obedience in Action
Practice habits that strengthen your relationship with God and help you serve others.
Walk It Out
Take one step of faith today and continue growing through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily
obedience.
Related Pages
Discipleship in the United Methodist Church
Means of Grace (future page)
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Connecting to Methodist Discipleship
John Wesley taught that Christian faith involves both personal holiness and practical service. Spiritual growth occurs as believers cooperate with God’s grace through worship, prayer, study, fellowship, and acts of mercy.
Spiritual growth is not simply learning more about God. It is learning to love God and neighbor more faithfully every day.
Closing Invitation
God’s desire is not merely that we believe in Him, but that we grow in our relationship with Him and become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Visit PGUM.org.
