Grace-Empowered Effort: The Foundation of Sanctification in Biblical Counseling

In discussing biblical counseling, we cannot separate our union with Christ, because everything flows from it. Lasting and continual change is possible only through God. It is by His grace alone that we can live according to His will and for His glory. Our third discussion on the subject, Introduction to Biblical Counseling, highlights the implications of the doctrine of sanctification for the field of biblical counseling.

I appreciate what Darby Strickland shared in the CCEF podcast on progressive sanctification, together with Esther Liu and Gunner Gundersen. She reminds us of the importance of understanding the true foundation of sanctification. Without this foundation, we may fall into one of the “two ditches” she describes as cynicism or legalism. Cynicism leads us to doubt whether real change is possible, while legalism pushes us to rely on our own efforts rather than on God’s grace.

On a personal note, there are times when I ask God whether I am truly changing or progressing in my walk as a Christian. When I reflect on my actions, I often see my failures and shortcomings more than anything else. These moments cause me to question whether my faith in Christ is genuine. At times, it feels as though what I am experiencing is a mixture of both extremes that Strickland described.

However, when I fix my eyes on Christ and on what He has done, everything begins to change. I am reminded that my hope does not rest on my performance but on His finished work. In Him, I find assurance that sanctification does not depend on my strength but on His ongoing work in me. This truth compels me to respond to myself with humility and grace, being patient with my growth while continuing to pursue obedience.

This reminds me of the grace that Christ has given. However, it is not an excuse for me to be complacent and stagnant. Just like what I heard in one sermon, “The grace we receive from God is not to eliminate effort but to empower it.”

In the context of biblical counseling, this principle is essential. Counselors must not only point those they counsel to Christ as the foundation of change but also model and encourage gospel-centered patience and compassion toward oneself. True progress is not measured by perfection but by a heart increasingly relying on God’s grace while learning to live faithfully in response to it. Lasting change in a person’s life does not come from mere behavior modification but from a heart transformed by grace. Counselors must continually point both themselves and those they counsel back to Christ—the true foundation of sanctification—so that effort flows from grace rather than from self-reliance.

Subject: Introduction to Biblical Counseling

Published by: Baloran, Ma. Rose Ann S., ABTh - 3rd Year