S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Sanctification is God's will for us (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The word sanctification is related to the word saint; both words have to do with holiness. To "sanctify" something is to set it apart for ...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Onyebuchi Victor Ajalla Supporter

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's work and being conformed to the image of Christ. It is God working in a believer to produce more of a Godly character and life in the person who has already been justified (Phil. 2:13). The justified person is actively involved in submitting to God's will, resisting sin, seeking holiness, etc. 

Sanctification is working out our salvation to show that we are indeed a changed person and now born again.

December 16 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

1 Thessalonians 4:3: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;"

This is God’s will for you and me,
That we sanctified should be.

The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.

The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy." biblestudytools.com

April 04 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the definition of Christian sanctification?

Christian sanctification is the progressive work of God's grace and the Holy Spirit that sets believers apart from sin and transforms them into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It is the process of becoming holy—renewing the entire person to die unto sin and live unto righteousness, following justification.

Aspects of Sanctification:

Definition: Derived from the Word for "holiness," it means to be set apart for God's special purpose.

Progressive Nature: Unlike justification (a one-time event), sanctification is an ongoing, lifelong process of growth in godliness.

The Role of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit works within believers, enabling them to overcome the power of sin.

Human Effort: Believers are called to actively participate by obeying God's Word, abstaining from immorality, and developing virtues.

Goal: The ultimate goal is to be fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, a process that is completed only in glorification.

What is sanctification? 

Sanctification is the theological process or act of being made holy, purified, and set apart for God's purpose, often described as a lifelong growth in grace. It follows justification (being declared righteous) and constitutes the ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Aspects of Sanctification

It is both instantaneous and ongoing: an immediate status of being set apart at conversion (positional holiness) and a progressive, lifelong transformation (practical holiness).

It involves separation: Sanctification is the act of being separated from sin and consecrated for divine use.

It is a cooperation: While a work of God, it requires the believer's active pursuit of holiness, such as overcoming sin and cultivating Christian virtues.

It relates to daily living: The concept demands that believers live according to God's standards (e.g., abstaining from immorality).

Key Distinctions

Vs. Justification: While justification is a legal declaration in which God counts a sinner as righteous because of Christ (a one-time event), sanctification is a transformative process of becoming holy.

Human Effort vs Divine Grace: Sanctification is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, but many traditions emphasise that believers are called to active cooperation through prayer, Scripture study, and self-discipline.

"The blood of the Christ" signifies the value of his perfect human life, and it is this that washes away the guilt of sin of the person believing in him. Hence, it really (not just typically [compare Heb 10:1-4]) sanctifies by purifying the believer's flesh, from God's standpoint, so that the believer has a clean conscience.

God's Word plays a significant role in sanctification, and it must be closely followed for sanctification to be maintained. 

(Ac 20:32) To the believer and sanctified one, God also sends his holy spirit, which is a strong force working in him for cleanness. It helps the sanctified one to be obedient, keeping him in a clean way of life. (1Pe 1:2) Guidance by God's Spirit makes it possible for the offering of such ones to be sanctified, clean, and acceptable to God. (Ro 15:16)

The process of sanctification is not all on one side. Sanctification must be maintained, and in this the believer has a part. 

Christ Jesus has set the pattern for those who are sanctified. (Joh 17:19) "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth." ESV. 

Jesus kept himself blameless and maintained his status of being set apart for the purpose of sanctifying his followers.

To do this, we must keep clear of dishonourable things and of persons who practice dishonourable things. We must realise that it is with Christ's own blood that they are bought, and that it is by God's will that they "have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time." (Heb 10:10)

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report