In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Shannon K. McCoy sits down with Jon Scurtu, ACBC-certified biblical counselor, pastor at Logos Baptist Ministries, and author of Growing Out of Sin and Into Holiness, to unpack the doctrine of sanctification.

Jon helps listeners move beyond common extremes of either self-effort or passivity, grounding growth in holiness in the believer’s union with Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Rather than presenting sanctification as self-improvement, this conversation reframes it as a grace-driven process that unfolds through Scripture, prayer, community, and suffering.

Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that sanctification ultimately flows from delight in Christ, not mere duty.

This conversation unpacks:

1. What sanctification is—and why it is often misunderstood
2. How union with Christ produces lasting growth
3. The balance between God’s work and our active effort in the Christian life-
4. The empowering role of the Holy Spirit in everyday obedience
5. Why identity in Christ must precede effort and behavior change
6. How Scripture, prayer, community, and faithful routines function as God’s means of grace
7. The role of suffering and trials in producing spiritual maturity

Growing out of Sin and into Holiness by Jon Scurtu