Recovery and Sanctification
TTR was born out of the affliction of addiction. The Holy Spirit was active in the birth of TTR. Our bodies as well are the temple of the Holy Spirit as it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:19. Through the Holy Spirit we ourselves are in progressive sanctification (recovery) designed by God and given to us to carry His will that is predestined for us on this earth. The Holy Spirit leads us through sanctification as we work through our curriculum and goals towards the destination of restoration. The addiction language term “recovery” is similar to the Biblical word sanctification.
In Galatians 4:19, the Apostle Paul portrays sanctification as a process. How long this process takes depends on our willingness to engage with the word of God, accept it as absolute truth in our lives, and apply it to all our circumstances. The word of God is guide throughout the recovery process. Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16-17- “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
God created humans as both spirit and body, which must be redeemed, a soul that must be restored and a body that must surrender. Our spirit (Soul) can take the lead only if we feed it more than our flesh. We must be intentional about feeding our spirit. We call this intentional discipleship or mentoring others and ourselves in recovery. Renewing our minds while guarding our flesh from the world, are elements of sanctification in our recovery journey.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2).
Spiritual order provides a framework for living in the tree of life. It allows us to live with our spirit united with God, with our soul and body submitted to our spirit that is united to Christ. Through being united with Christ we can understand spiritual truth and discern right from wrong. We can adjust our lives to hear the voice of God. Therefore, we walk successfully in recovery through sanctification.
Living in spiritual order in sanctification brings with it incredible benefits, such as protection, spiritual growth, and power to overcome obstacles in our lives. To walk in spiritual order, we need the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce the following fruit: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as scripture reveals in Galatians 5:22-23.
Sanctification literally means to be set apart, to be holy, to live a holy life, to serve God in holy ways in the process of growing in holiness, purity, and love. This process precedes gradually as we are striving to be conformed into the image of Christ. Living in recovery and seeking to be in obedience to the plan, which brings the fruit in our lives.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;” (Romans 8:28-29).
That is the inner workings of a faith-based recovery community center such as Transformation to Recovery. The workings of the Holy Spirit through TTR to transform and restore lives as God’s vessel. Sanctification is united with recovery, “bringing the light of the gospel to the darkness of addiction.” To eventually be restored back to the community as God’s children with a purpose.
Addiction ministry in Christ is successful in helping people to become sober from substance abuse through conforming to the image of Christ. TTR does not have sobriety as the main goal. The main goal is the sanctification process of being conformed to the image of Christ by pointing (sanctification-recovery) our friends to Jesus. Then and only then does a small benefit happen called sobriety. We have found that the world cannot grasp this Divine concept and power that God in Christ works through the Holy Spirit. So we teach: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
The Holy Spirit guides the success of any organization who believe, especially those doing the work of restoring lives. There is no other way. TTR attests that this is the only way. If you would like to implement addiction recovery principles into your own organization in the area of treatment concerning addiction, it just will not work unless it is surrendered to the Divine workings of God through the Holy Spirit in Christ. The good news is that God changes lives, and He accepts you just as you are, but won't leave you just as you are. He will restore your soul using your newfound implemented organization that is in Christ. Friends, that is sanctification in recovery supports.
John K Carlson
Executive Director, Transformation to Recovery