The Transformation of Baptism: A Journey of Sanctification
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 10, 2026
Baptism marks a pivotal moment in a believer’s life – a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a symbol of transformation. However, this transformation is not an instantaneous event, but a process that unfolds over time. The sanctification that begins at salvation is a gradual journey of learning, acting, and choosing obedience until it becomes a lifestyle.
The Process of Sanctification
As believers, we’ve been declared righteous through faith in Christ, but we’re still subject to the evil desires of the flesh. Our bodies remain the same, and changes don’t happen overnight. Sanctification is a process of becoming holy, a journey toward Christlikeness. It’s a daily choice to die to sin and rise to walk in newness of life.
J.C. Ryle aptly describes this transformation: “To be born again is, as it were, to enter upon a new existence, to have a new mind, a new heart, new views, new principles, new tastes, new affections…”
Baptism: A Symbol of Death and Resurrection
In baptism, we symbolize our union with Christ in both His death and resurrection. As Paul explains, we’re united with Christ in His death, and we’re raised to walk in newness of life. Baptism marks a turning point – a break from the old life of sin and the beginning of a new life shaped by Christ’s resurrection power.
*From Declaration to Transformation*
Justification is a declaration of righteousness, but sanctification is the process of becoming holy. Baptism is not the end goal; it’s the beginning of a journey. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we grow in our faith, and our lives reflect the character of Christ.
In this journey, we’re not alone. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us, empowering us to live a life that honors God. Let’s embrace this transformation process, surrendering to the Spirit’s work, and becoming more like Jesus with each passing day.
The Reality of Sanctification: A Journey of Struggle and Triumph
Sanctification is a process, not a destination. It’s a journey of struggles, failures, and try-overs. We’re not alone in this journey; even the apostle Paul spoke of his own struggles with sin (Romans 7:15-25). The good news is that God has built consequences into this process, enabling us to learn from our mistakes and grow in our faith.
The Struggle is Real
Our mindset might change, but our actions might wobble. We’ve all been there – we’ve fallen, we’ve failed, and we’ve wondered if we’ll ever get it right. But here’s the thing: God uses our failures to teach us about His grace and to draw us closer to Him. The sins that flow from selfish desires can be costly to our spiritual existence, but they’re also opportunities for us to learn to repent and resist their lure.
The Costs of Sin
The pleasures of sin are fleeting, but the consequences can be devastating. When we prioritize our own desires over God’s will, we become misaligned with the work of the Holy Spirit in us. This misalignment can stunt our spiritual growth and hinder our ability to bear fruit for God’s glory. But when we realize the costs of sin, our perspective changes. We begin to see that the pleasures of sin aren’t worth the price.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
As we grow in our understanding of sanctification, our desires change. We start to act as if we’re dead to sin and alive in Christ. Our taste for godliness and godly living becomes engrained in us, and we begin to reflect Christ’s character. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
The Process of Transformation
Sanctification is a process of transformation, and it’s not always easy. We’ll face struggles, and we’ll fail. But God uses these moments to teach us, to refine us, and to shape us into the image of Christ. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we’ll begin to see changes in our thoughts, words, and actions. We’ll become more like Jesus, and our lives will bear fruit for God’s glory.
Let’s embrace this journey of sanctification, struggles and all. Let’s not be discouraged by our failures, but instead, let’s learn from them and press on. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work, we’ll become more like Christ, and our lives will reflect His glory.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
