What is Biblical Counseling?

What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical Counseling is the process of progressive sanctification through discipleship. The name declares that it is Biblical, rooted in the Bible instead of psychology or philosophy. Biblical Counselors proclaim that God’s Word is sufficient to meet every believer’s needs. Scripture declares that God equips believers with everything they need to live godly (2 Peter 1:3). God’s Word is a sufficient roadmap for a Christian’s life (2 Tim. 16-17).

The purpose of Biblical Counseling is to cultivate spiritual growth and godliness for the glory of God. This is done through Progressive Sanctification, ultimately to disciple others to become more like Christ.

Understanding Sanctification

Sanctification means to be “holy” or “set apart”. Initial sanctification happens at the point of Salvation, separating a person from an unbeliever in God’s righteous sight. Initial sanctification is the same as Justification, meaning God declares a sinner righteous because of the believer’s faith in the complete work of Christ. Scripture declares that whoever calls on the name of Jesus Christ is sanctified in Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2). Next, Christians become more like Christ through Progressive Sanctification which is what Biblical Counseling is all about!

Progressive Sanctification

Progressive Sanctification is the process of spiritual growth to become more like Christ. Christians should be growing for the glory of God (2 Peter 3:18). Believers are to be putting off the old man and putting on the new man by pursuing righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:20-24). Unlike salvation which happens at one point in time, progressive sanctification happens daily over time. Believers will continue to sin even though they never lose their Salvation. Every day believers choose to live by the Spirit or follow the flesh.

As seen in the image below, spiritual growth is a continuous process until heaven. We are either becoming more like God or sinning and straying away from God. Believers need to spend time in God’s Word, prayer, discipleship, and godly fellowship to help fight against sin and become more like Christ. Biblical Counselors help people with their walk with God and disciple them to become more like Christ.

Glorification

Ultimate Sanctification happens after a believer leaves the physical world. Since people will always be sinners on earth, one reason why Heaven is a wonderful place is that believers will not struggle with their sinful nature any longer. Christians receive a glorified or sinless heavenly body.

Additional Resources:

• https://christiancounseling.com/blog/definition-biblical-counseling/

• https://www.bju.edu/about/biblical-counseling.pdf

• https://www.gotquestions.org/justification-sanctification-glorification.html

• Biblical Counseling Blog