Carol, I think you must not understand the distinction between sanctification and justification. Sanctification requires active obedience. We cannot rest on Christ's finished work for our sanctification, but we can for our justification. We are participants in our sanctification, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit as we strive to obey God by keeping His commandmentss and do those works God has ordained for us to do. Justification and Sanctification are inseparable but distinct. The following is from my notes taken from J. C. Ryle's book Holiness
Justification is a finished work and rests entirely on Christ's work done for me. "The only righteousness in which we can appear before God is the righteousness of another--even the perfect righteousness of our Substitute and Representative, Jesus Christ the Lord."
"Sanctification is the inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Spirit when he calls him to be a true believer." (J.C. Ryle) We can never be more justified, but we can be more sanctified.
Sanctification is God's will for us. I Thess 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:
It is a result of abiding in Christ. Jn 15:5
Without sanctification there is no real spiritual life. James 2:17-20 ; 1 Jn 2:29; 1 Jn 3:9-14; 1 Jn 5:4-18
It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence. Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22,25; Romans 8:14
It is a mark of God's election. 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Peter 1:22 Thess 2:13; Romans 8:29; Eph 1:41 Thess 1:3,4
It is our own fault if we are not holy.
We can grow in sanctification. 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thess 4:1; Jn 17:17; 1 Thess 4:3
We must expect inward spiritual conflict. Our hearts are occupied by two rival camps. Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:22
We must be diligent in using the means God has given us such as Bible reading, private prayer, worship, hearing faithful preaching, communion, etc.
All our works are imperfect, but our efforts can be pleasing to God when done with the right heart much as a small child's efforts can please his parent.
Sanctification cannot justify us, yet it pleases God. Romans 3:20-28; 1 Jn 3:22
Our works will be examined for evidence of grace. Jn 5:29; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:13
We must be made fit for heaven. God wants to make us holy. We must not become discouraged that so many flaws remain in us. The more light we have, the more we will see our own imperfections and we will be ashamed. We are debtors to mercy and grace every hour.
"The Lord Jesus Christ has undertaken everything that His people's souls require; not only to deliver them from the guilt of their sins, but from the dominion of their sins, by placing in their hearts the Holy Spirit; not only to justify them, but also to sanctify them. He is, thus, not only their righteousness, but their sanctification."
Titus 2:14 ... who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
