Christians are called to a holiness of life. However, what does it mean to pursue such holiness? A balanced view is presented in this article on the work of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of the believer as he works Christian growth in the life of the believer.

Though John Calvin’s conviction was that God uses the church to nurture Christian growth, he did not see this as undermining the need for personal piety. Piety must also be cultivated personally. This article shows how Calvin saw prayer, repentance, self-denial, cross-bearing, meditation on the future life, and obedience as essential for the development of personal piety.

Christian growth or piety is impossible apart from the church. This article offers the thoughts of John Calvin on the matter. Calvin said that God uses the church to nurture Christian piety. He does so specifically through the preaching of the word, the administration of sacraments, and the singing of psalms.

Spiritual growth is essential to the Christian life. This article makes clear that Christians are called to it, they must desire it, and they must show the marks of Christian growth.