"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." --- Genesis 1:1, 2.
"We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus (Note) unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." --- Ephesians 2:10.
Therefore, before we can really grow in holiness, we must be born again. How is it possible for a man to grow in sanctification without a real change being first wrought in his heart? It is the Spirit's way first to strip us of our own righteousness and strength, to show us our nakedness and nothingness, to fill us with godly sorrow for sin, and then lead us to Jesus for pardon, sanctification, and justification.
Christ being the Vine, we must first be planted by him, and draw nourishment and strength from him by faith. Then it is fulfilled, "they shall feed and lie down" on his pasture, "and none shall make them afraid," Zepheniah 3:13.
Then we shall be able to bring forth good fruits, and to obtain victories; for it is God himself that thus makes us perfect in every good work and prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies.
Mighty Redeemer, set me free,
From my old state of sin;
Oh make my soul alive to thee,
Create new powers within.