How does sanctification impact the power of sin in a believer's life?

Sanctification refers to the process by which a believer is made holy, involving a gradual growth in Christlikeness and an increasing ability to live according to God's will. In this context, the correct response highlights that the corrupting power of sin is progressively decreased in a believer’s life.

As a person continues in their sanctification journey, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and cultivate virtues that reflect their faith. This process is not instantaneous; rather, it unfolds over time as believers engage in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in community worship. Through this ongoing transformation, individuals experience a weakening of sin's hold and influence.

This means that as sanctification progresses, believers become more aware of the sin in their lives and develop a desire to overcome it, resulting in a gradual reduction of its power and presence. This contrasts sharply with the notion of sin becoming more prevalent, which does not align with the purpose of sanctification, nor does it account for the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Similarly, the idea that the believer becomes indifferent to sin contradicts the transformative nature of sanctification, which should heighten sensitivity to sin rather than dull it.