Topical Encyclopedia The term "sanctifies" refers to the act of making something holy, setting it apart for a sacred purpose, or purifying it from sin. In the biblical context, sanctification is a process initiated and completed by God, whereby individuals or objects are consecrated and dedicated to His service. This concept is central to both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's desire for His people to be holy as He is holy.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, sanctification often involves rituals and ceremonies that set apart people, places, or objects for God's use. For example, the Sabbath is sanctified as a day of rest and worship: "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it" (Exodus 20:11). Similarly, the priests and the tabernacle were sanctified through specific rites to serve in the presence of God (Exodus 29:44). The concept of sanctification is also applied to the nation of Israel, whom God chose and set apart as His holy people. Leviticus 20:8 states, "Keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you" . Here, sanctification is both a divine act and a call to obedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, sanctification takes on a more personal and spiritual dimension, closely associated with the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection are central to the believer's sanctification. Hebrews 10:10 declares, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" . This indicates that sanctification is a definitive act accomplished by Christ's atonement. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a believer. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, "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" . This verse highlights the transformative work of the Spirit, who empowers believers to live holy lives. Practical Implications Sanctification involves both a positional and progressive aspect. Positionally, believers are sanctified at the moment of salvation, set apart as God's own. Progressively, sanctification is the lifelong process of growing in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. This dual aspect is evident in Philippians 2:12-13, which exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure" . The call to sanctification is a call to live a life that reflects God's holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 urges, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . This pursuit of holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but through reliance on God's grace and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Conclusion Sanctification is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing both the divine act of setting apart and the believer's response in living a holy life. It is a testament to God's transformative power and His desire for His people to reflect His character in the world. Greek 37. hagiazo -- to make holy, consecrate, sanctify ... Origin from hagios Definition to make holy, consecrate, sanctify NASB Word Usage hallowed (2), keep himself holy (1), sanctified (16), sanctifies (2), sanctify ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/37.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 6942. qadash -- to be set apart or consecrated... my holiness (2), prepare (2), prove myself holy (2), proved himself holy (1), purified (1), regard as holy (1), sanctified (9), sanctifies (10), sanctify (12 ... /hebrew/6942.htm - 6k Library The Holy Spirit, Since He Sanctifies Creatures, is Neither a ... That Divine Love More Excellently Sanctifies the virtues when they ... To those who Contend that the Spirit Because He is Called the ... Whether Grace is Appropriately Divided into Sanctifying Grace and ... Of the violence which May be done to the Body by Another's Lust ... Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm Xlv. 7, 8 Whether the Words ... Letter Lxxxix. (AD 406. ) Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth. Again, when one Speaks of the Holy Spirit as an Object Made Holy.. ... Articles vii and viii: of the Church. Thesaurus Sanctifies (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Sanctifies (14 Occurrences). Matthew 23:17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? ... /s/sanctifies.htm - 10k Profane (69 Occurrences) Greater (219 Occurrences) Important (39 Occurrences) Fools (53 Occurrences) Sanctifier (1 Occurrence) Blind (91 Occurrences) Sacred (140 Occurrences) Sanctifieth (21 Occurrences) Sabbaths (53 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus our brother? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to grow in grace? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sanctifies (14 Occurrences)Matthew 23:17 Matthew 23:19 Hebrews 2:11 Hebrews 9:13 Exodus 31:13 Leviticus 20:8 Leviticus 21:8 Leviticus 21:15 Leviticus 21:23 Leviticus 22:9 Leviticus 22:16 Leviticus 22:32 Ezekiel 20:12 Ezekiel 37:28 Subtopics Related Terms |
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