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a process that is gradual
22
and lifelong,
23
22
Demarest approvingly cites Augustine, who "spoke of the believers growth in
Christlikeness and communion with God as progressive a ,,path or ,,ascent on which the
Christian experienced continuing deep changes in heart that led to more evidences (,,fruit) of the
Spirit in the life." Thus the shaping of a Christian was viewed as a "continuing process, during
which the Spirit gradually restored and renewed the Christians entire life through deepening
relationship with his or her altogether lovely Lord Jesus" [BD, 24]. And this gradual and on-
going process of spiritual growth throughout ones life is identified by Demarest as progressive
sanctification. [BD, 71-72, citing 2 Cor 3:18; 4:16; and 1 Thess 5:23 in support of the
progressive nature of sanctification in this life.] Elsewhere Demarest argues that the Scripture
portrays the Spirits work of producing Christlikeness in believers as being "gradual and
progressive, rather than sudden or instantaneous." ("Transformed into His Likeness," 408.)
23
The goal of perfect likeness to Christ will be achieved only at the Parousia and
resurrection. Demarest says that true Christian spirituality, which begins with conversion to
Christ and the miracle of new birth, "is enlarged through growth into the likeness of Christ and it
will finally consummate with the perfecting of body and soul at the Saviors second coming"
[BD, 71]. Throughout this life Christian growth involves a struggle against the remnants of
indwelling sin, and the old nature which Christians still possess" [BD, 211]. Thus, according to
Demarest, "the victorious life [of the Christian] is a striving towards victory rather than a
matured possession of victory." ("Transformed into His Likeness," 411.) Yet through the
struggle, believers can and do make substantial progress in their growth toward the goal of