As a Christian, I believe faith in God, Christ’s finished work on the cross, and the authority of Scripture form the absolute foundation for spiritual growth. But here’s what concerns me: salvation is just the starting line. When someone first surrenders to the truth of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, their faith is real but immature—like a newborn needing nourishment.
What happens after that initial moment? I see too many believers who treat Christianity like sleeping in a garage makes you a car. They think calling themselves Christian is enough. But without continual growth—without progressive sanctification—faith weakens. I believe faith works like a muscle: if it’s not used and strengthened daily through God’s Word, prayer, and obedience, it atrophies.
So here’s my question: How do we help Christians understand that growing in faith isn’t optional? How do we show them that the longer they pursue Christ, the more fruitful and powerful their walk becomes? Without this understanding, many are missing the abundant life Jesus promised.
You’ve laid out a solid foundation here. Faith as the core of Christian life, the necessity of growth, and the idea of faith as a muscle that needs constant exercise—these are powerful truths. Let me walk through your thoughts, clarify a few points, and add some perspective.
What Is Progressive Sanctification?
Progressive sanctification is the lifelong process where Christians grow in holiness through the Holy Spirit’s work, becoming more like Christ daily (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Faith as the Foundation
You’re spot-on that faith in God, Christ’s work on the cross, and the authority of Scripture is non-negotiable. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Everything—salvation, sanctification, eternal hope—starts and ends with faith. It’s not just a one-time decision; it’s a daily trust in God’s character and promises.
Progressive Sanctification: Growth Is Evidence
Your emphasis on progressive sanctification aligns with Scripture. Philippians 1:6 promises God will complete the work He starts in us, but 2 Peter 1:5-8 urges us to actively add virtues to our faith—knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness. A static faith isn’t biblical. True salvation produces fruit over time, even if it’s slow. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Growth isn’t optional; it’s the natural outflow of abiding in Him.
Your garage analogy works! Just like sleeping in a garage doesn’t make you a car, saying “I’m a Christian” without transformation doesn’t make it true. James 2:17 is blunt: “Faith without works is dead.” Growth isn’t about earning salvation—it’s evidence of it.
Faith as a Muscle
I love your muscle analogy. Faith grows through use, just like any skill. Hebrews 5:12-14 describes mature believers as those who’ve trained their senses to discern good from evil. How does this happen? Through trials, obedience, and immersion in God’s Word. James 1:2-4 says trials produce perseverance, which leads to maturity. Every time you trust God in the small things—forgiving someone, tithing, stepping out in ministry—your faith muscle strengthens.
But here’s a nuance: faith isn’t just about effort. It’s also about resting in God’s grace. Galatians 3:3 warns against trying to perfect ourselves by human effort. Growth happens when we abide in Christ (John 15:4-5), not when we strive in our own strength. It’s a paradox—active dependence.
The Danger of Stagnation
You’re right to be concerned about complacency. Many Christians treat salvation like a “get out of hell free” card and never grow beyond that. They miss the joy of intimacy with God, the power of the Spirit, and the purpose of their calling. Revelation 3:15-16 warns against being lukewarm—God spits that out. A faith that doesn’t grow becomes weak, vulnerable to doubt, and ineffective for God’s kingdom.
Clarifying the Salvation Experience
When someone first believes, their faith is real but immature. It’s like a newborn—alive, but needing nourishment. Romans 10:9 guarantees salvation to those who confess and believe, but 1 Peter 2:2 calls new believers to “crave pure spiritual milk” for growth. The initial surrender is the starting line, not the finish line. Expecting new believers to have “strong, usable” faith right away sets them up for frustration. God builds faith over time through His Word, prayer, community, and trials.
Practical Steps for Faith Growth
Here’s how to keep that faith muscle strong:
| Practice | Scripture | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Bible reading | Psalm 119:105 | Renews your mind and reveals God’s will |
| Prayer | 1 Thess. 5:17 | Builds intimacy and dependence on God |
| Obedience in small things | James 1:22 | Proves God’s faithfulness, builds trust |
| Fellowship | Heb. 10:24-25 | Encouragement and accountability |
| Serving others | Gal. 5:13 | Faith grows when you step out of comfort |
A Warning Against Legalism
One caution: growth isn’t about checking boxes or measuring spirituality by how “strong” your faith feels. Some days, faith feels like a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20)—small but sufficient. God honors even weak faith when it’s genuine. The goal isn’t perfection but direction—always moving toward Christ.
Addressing Doubts About True Salvation
You mentioned that without growth, someone might not be a true Christian. This is a helpful warning, but we must balance it with grace. Some believers grow slowly due to hardship, poor teaching, or personal struggles. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 describes believers stuck in infancy—spiritual, not fake. Our job isn’t to judge their salvation but to encourage growth. God’s the judge; we’re called to disciple.
Final Thought
Your concern is valid. Christianity isn’t a one-and-done deal. Faith must be nurtured daily through surrender, Scripture, and obedience. Without growth, we stagnate, missing the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). But the good news? God is faithful to grow us when we’re faithful to trust Him. As you said, every bit of our relationship with God hinges on faith—and He gives us everything we need to grow it.
What do you think? Any specific area of growth you’re wrestling with or seeing in others? I’d love to dig deeper.