“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” – John 15:4 (BSB)
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:1–2 (BSB)
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12–13 (BSB)
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge… For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…” – 2 Peter 1:5, 8 (BSB)
Daily life in Christ involves both resting and striving. We rest in the assurance of God’s acceptance through justification, and we strive by grace to grow in holiness through sanctification. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “You are already accepted, so you do not work for God’s love—you work from it. Your sanctification is not earning favor; it is the fruit of union with Jesus.” (Grace That Transforms, 2021)
This life is nurtured by spiritual disciplines: daily prayer, meditation on Scripture, confession, participation in the sacraments, and the communion of the Church. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “To live a holy life is to keep close to Christ through the means He has given. These are not burdens—they are the lifelines of grace.” (Living the Life of the Justified, 2020)
The justified and sanctified life is also a life of ongoing repentance. Even though we are forgiven, we still struggle with sin. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “The Christian life is not perfection but perseverance. We fall, we rise, we confess, and we continue—because Christ remains our righteousness and strength.” (Grace for the Long Journey, 2021)
Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “The justified live by faith, and the sanctified live by hope and love. Christ is both our starting point and our goal. We follow Him not to earn His love, but because we already have it.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
“Faith receives righteousness; obedience nurtures holiness. These walk together, for grace both saves and teaches.” – Basil the Great, Homily on the Spirit-Filled Life, c. 370 AD
“Live as those who are forgiven, not careless but careful; not idle, but fruitful—reflecting the grace that has made you new.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans 12, c. 390 AD
“Let the justified cling to mercy, and the sanctified strive for virtue. For both belong to the same salvation.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Life of the Believer, c. 250 AD
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
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
