Many believe that sanctification is something I am responsible for perfecting. I have heard that sanctification is the work of a lifetime, and it is, but not my work. It’s God’s work. 

 What is sanctification?

Synonyms for sanctification

    cleanse

    purge

    purify

 I cannot cleanse, purge or purify myself, nor can you. Let me ask you this question, when am I cleansed, purged, and purified?

 1 John 1:1

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 The New American Standard version uses the term cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness.

 Now, look at what Hebrews10:14 has to say.

 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

 Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has (past tense) perfected for all time (our promise) those who are (present tense) forgiven (sanctified, purified, cleansed.) 

Christ is transforming your will to be in harmony with His will. Jesus continues the sanctification process in our lives until His return. He sees you as sanctified at the moment of forgiveness. The requirement for forgiveness is to ask. As you continue your pursuit of abiding in Him, you never have to question your status with Jesus again.

 To use an old illustration of mine, when you see an apple tree with small green apples, you know the apples are not mature. If you cut one open, you will see a perfectly formed apple, but it is still immature. Our Father then nurtures, prunes, and nourishes you to maturity. You are perfect at the stage you are in at that time. You are the green apple; God is the sanctifier.