The term "Sanctified Ones" refers to individuals who have been set apart for a holy purpose, consecrated by God for His service and glory. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where sanctification is both a divine act and a human responsibility. The sanctified are those who have been made holy through the work of God, often associated with the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sanctification is primarily associated with the consecration of people, places, and objects for God's purposes. The Hebrew word "qadash" is often used to denote this setting apart. For instance, the priests and Levites were sanctified to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple (Exodus 28:41, Leviticus 8:30). The nation of Israel itself was called to be a sanctified people, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of sanctification is expanded and deepened through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers in Christ are referred to as sanctified ones, having been set apart by faith in Him. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the sanctified status of believers in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, he writes, "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours" .

Sanctification in the New Testament is both positional and progressive. Positionally, believers are sanctified through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as stated in Hebrews 10:10: "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" . Progressively, believers are called to live out their sanctified status by growing in holiness and obedience to God's Word, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3: "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality" .

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of believers. The Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to live holy lives and conforming them to the image of Christ. In Romans 15:16, Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles, "so that the offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit" . The Spirit's work in sanctification is ongoing, as believers are continually transformed by His presence and power.

Sanctified Ones in the Church

The sanctified ones, or saints, are integral to the life and mission of the Church. They are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and truth in the world, living lives that reflect their holy calling. Ephesians 4:12 speaks of the purpose of church leadership, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" . The sanctified community is marked by unity, love, and a shared commitment to the gospel.

Eschatological Hope

The sanctification of believers also carries an eschatological dimension. The ultimate goal of sanctification is the complete conformity of believers to the likeness of Christ, which will be fully realized at His return. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul expresses this hope: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" .

In summary, the sanctified ones are those who have been set apart by God through Christ and the Holy Spirit, called to live holy lives in anticipation of the fullness of their sanctification at the return of Christ.