What is the foundation, the starting point, for human flourishing?

• The foundation for human flourishing, i.e., becoming all that God desires for each person, is a personal relationship with Him.

• The Holy Spirit leads the person to understand that it is essential that a person accepts the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the way for atonement for one’s sins.

 

Is this all that is needed?

• No, it also is essential that a person continues to allow the Holy Spirit to enable a lifetime of spiritual growth.

  • Spiritual disciplines.

  • God transforms the individual to grow deeper in the walk with God.

 

Now, is that the end?

• No, a Christian needs to grow in godly character if that person is to flourish as God desires.

• It includes all forms of relationship and conduct.

  • The image of the Tree of Virtues is a helpful reminder of the process.

  • It is necessary to develop these virtues through daily habits until they become second nature.

  • They are part of one’s godly character.

 

Holiness/Sanctification is primarily about having one’s character shaped by the Holy Spirit and how that transformed inner life expresses itself in conduct. Holiness should never be defined merely in terms of what you don’t do but primarily in terms of how closely you resemble Jesus in your relationships, how closely you reflect Jesus in all your behavior.

Sam Storms – 10 Things You Should Know about Sanctification

(https://www.samstorms.org/all-articles/post/article-10-things-you-should-know-about-sanctification).

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