“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:1–2 (BSB)
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (BSB)
“For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, as they saw fit; but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:10–11 (BSB)
I grow in holiness by drawing near to Christ through Scripture and Sacrament, prayer and worship, and by living in fellowship with other believers. The Church, through its teaching, liturgy, and pastoral care, helps me to be formed in Christlikeness. Trials, sufferings, and even failures—when received with faith—become tools in God’s hands to purify my heart and strengthen my trust in Him.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Sanctification is not about sin management—it is about transformation. God’s goal is not merely to improve us, but to make us holy as He is holy.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Growth in holiness is not linear or easy, but it is sure for those who abide in Christ. It is the work of grace within, brought forth by worship, obedience, and surrender.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer supports growth in holiness through its rhythms of confession, repentance, daily Scripture, and sacramental life. Its daily prayers ask God to “create and make in us new and contrite hearts” and “cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit.”
J.C. Ryle exhorted believers, “Do you want to grow in holiness? Then seek Christ more, abide in Him more, live closer to Him. Holiness is not attained by effort alone, but by union with the Holy One.” (Holiness, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “We grow in holiness by saying yes to Jesus every day—yes to His will, yes to His ways, yes to His Spirit. Holiness is not perfection, but faithful progress.”
Growing in holiness glorifies Christ because it shows the world His power to redeem, renew, and sanctify His people.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The one who walks humbly, confesses quickly, prays earnestly, and loves deeply—this is the soul who grows in holiness.” — Sermon 169
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Holiness is not gained in a moment, but pursued through prayer, fasting, love, and the Spirit’s power. It is the fruit of obedience to the Gospel.” — The Long Rules, 2.4
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Let us not despair if we are still growing. The tree takes time to bear fruit, and the soul takes time to be sanctified. Let us abide in grace.” — Homily on Hebrews, 14
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
