God’s Word is not only the key to being born again. It is also the key to sanctification. You can only become more like Christ by abiding in His Word.

Many people mistakenly think the condition for sanctification is turning from sins, submission, commitment, obedience, and perseverance.

But the Scriptures are clear that the major condition of sanctification is abiding in God’s Word. Any other conditions are related to that. For example, assembling with other believers (Heb 10:23-25) is when we receive the clear teaching of God’s Word and observe godly examples. Prayer is a condition of sanctification, but it, too, is directly related to God’s Word. Only if we pray according to His will–that is, according to His Word–will we receive what we request. Commitment and dedication will not produce godliness. God’s Word will. Consider the following verses:

Matthew 24:45-51. We must cling to the promise of Christ’s soon return. See also 2 Peter 3:2-8.

Luke 4:4. We live by every word from God.

John 15:7. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…you will bear much fruit.”

John 17:17. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

Romans 12:2. Transformation is by the renewing of our minds (with God’s Word).

1 Corinthians 15:2. We must hold fast to the gospel of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and soon return in order to remain spiritually healthy.

2 Corinthians 3:18. The Bible is the mirror that shows us the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms us as we see the Lord Jesus in Scripture.

Philippians 2:16. The believers in Philippi shone as lights in the darkness and were “holding fast the word of life” so that Paul would rejoice at the Bema.

1 Timothy 6:3. Godliness comes through abiding in sound doctrine.

2 Timothy 2:15. Workmen approved by God are those who accurately handle His Word.

2 Timothy 4:2. “Preach the Word.” The original DTS motto. The Word of God is essential for convincing, rebuking, and exhorting. Sound doctrine is only found in God’s Word.

Titus 1:9. Christian ministers must hold fast to the faithful word so that they can teach sound doctrine in order to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Hebrews 13:7. “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”

1 Peter 2:2. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”

1 John 2:14. The readers were strong because “the word of God abide[d] in [them].”

Most Christian traditions give lip service to the importance of God’s Word in sanctification. But in reality, they teach that sanctification is conditioned upon legalism.

Sanctification comes by abiding in God’s Word.

The Word of God is our spiritual food. Do you have a healthy spiritual diet?