> In every season of Christian living, believers long for genuine transformation—becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. Yet the journey toward holiness is never accomplished in our own strength. God has graciously given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers real spiritual growth and guides us daily into a life set apart for Him. Understanding how the Holy Spirit makes our lives more holy is essential for anyone desiring deeper faith, freedom, and a vibrant, Christ-centered walk.
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Living in Holiness by the Power of the Holy Spirit
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
The Christian life is not simply about turning from sin — it is about being made alive in Christ. While mortification (the putting to death of sin) is essential, it is incomplete without vivification — the daily renewal of the believer’s heart and will by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What Is Vivification?
Vivification comes from the Latin vivificare, meaning to make alive. In theological terms, it refers to the Spirit-empowered process in which believers grow in holiness and live out the righteousness of Christ. It is the counterpart to mortification — not merely abstaining from evil, but actively pursuing good through the indwelling Spirit.
Paul describes this vividly in Romans 6:11–13:
“Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body… but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.”
The Source of Spiritual Life
Vivification is not self-improvement — it is divine transformation. Jesus said,
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.” — John 6:63
Believers cannot make themselves holy by sheer willpower. True holiness flows from the life of Christ within us. The Spirit takes the finished work of Christ and applies it to our daily conduct, inclining our hearts toward what pleases God.
John Calvin emphasized this truth:
“Christ, by his Spirit, not only extinguishes sin in us, but makes us new men to God.” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.3.9)
Holiness in Daily Life
The life of holiness is marked by a growing delight in God, a hunger for His Word, and a responsiveness to His Spirit. It means we live each day under the influence of divine grace, not human effort.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:13:
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
This transforms how we view obedience. It is not bondage but freedom — the freedom to love what God loves and to live as we were created to live.
Charles Spurgeon once said:
“Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness.”
Through prayer, Scripture, and dependence on the Spirit, we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more (Galatians 5:22–23). These are not self-generated virtues but the life of Christ blossoming within us.
A Call to Be Fully Alive
Vivification is the heartbeat of sanctification. To be vivified is to be fully alive — alive to God, alive to righteousness, alive to love. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in every believer (Romans 8:11).
Let us, therefore, yield to the Spirit daily, trusting that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer:
“Spirit of the living God, breathe new life in me today. Kill my sin, stir my love, and make me truly alive in Christ. Amen.”
Further Reflection
- Romans 8:1–17 — Life in the Spirit
- Colossians 3:1–17 — Putting on the new self
- Ephesians 4:22–24 — Be renewed in the spirit of your minds
Suggested Reading
- The Mortification of Sin by John Owen
- The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
- Knowing God by J.I. Packer
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