“成圣”这个词的意思是“将一个人从罪中越来越分别出到义的过程。“这过程是借一段时间发生，所以它本就是渐进的。成圣不是一种一次性的行动，满足了某种方程式的要求便立刻跳跃上九霄云外，并从此过上一种更高的属灵生活。
不是的，成圣正是圣灵使信徒能成功地继续日复一日的与罪作艰难的争战。成圣是生命的成长。哪里有生命，哪里就有成长。哪里有属灵的生命，哪里就有属灵的成长。凡有属灵成长和生命的地方，都是因圣灵所赐的。亚当斯
‘‘The word sanctification means ‘the process of setting one apart more and more from sin to righteousness.’ It is a process that takes place over a period of time and is, therefore, progressive in nature. It is not a one-time act whereby one meets the require- ments of some formula and is immediately catapulted onto cloud nine where from then on he leads a higher sort of life.No, it is that difficult day-by-day struggle with sin that the Spirit enables the believer to carry on successfully. Sanctification is growth. Where there is life, there is growth. Where there is spiritual life there is growth. Where there is spiritual growth and life it is because the Holy Spirit is producing it.’ Jay Adams
