Topical Encyclopedia Sanctification is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, referring to the process by which believers are set apart for God's purposes and transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is both a definitive act and a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The term "sanctification" is derived from the Latin "sanctificare," meaning "to make holy," and is closely related to the Greek word "hagiasmos," which appears frequently in the New Testament.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents sanctification as an essential aspect of the Christian life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable." This passage underscores that sanctification is God's will for every believer, involving moral purity and self-control. Definitive Sanctification Definitive sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation, when a believer is set apart for God. This is a positional sanctification, where the believer is declared holy through the righteousness of Christ. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This indicates that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are sanctified in a definitive sense, being made holy in God's sight. Progressive Sanctification While definitive sanctification is a one-time event, progressive sanctification is an ongoing process. It involves the believer's growth in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "continue 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 purpose." This passage highlights the cooperative nature of sanctification, where believers actively pursue holiness while relying on God's enabling power. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of believers. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul writes, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth." The Spirit works within believers to produce the fruit of holiness, guiding and empowering them to live according to God's will. Evidence of Sanctification The evidence of sanctification is seen in the believer's life through the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are indicators of the Spirit's sanctifying work. The Goal of Sanctification The ultimate goal of sanctification is to prepare believers for eternal life with God, where they will be fully conformed to the image of Christ. In Romans 8:29 , Paul states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This conformity to Christ is the culmination of the sanctification process, achieved fully in the life to come. Conclusion Sanctification is an integral part of the Christian experience, encompassing both a definitive act at salvation and a lifelong process of spiritual growth. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live holy lives, reflecting the character of Christ and fulfilling God's purpose for them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:32And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 26:18 1 Corinthians 6:11 Library Sanctification. The Work of Our Sanctification. Sanctification. Sanctification. Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ... Sanctification. What is Sanctification? Christian Perfection Self-Contempt. Sanctification. Resources What is entire sanctification? | GotQuestions.orgJustification vs sanctification'what are the differences? | GotQuestions.org What is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.org Sanctification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sanctification is Separation to the Service of God Sanctification: All Israel Sanctified Sanctification: All Saints are in a State of Sanctification: Christ Made, of God, to Us Sanctification: Effected by Christ Sanctification: Effected by God Sanctification: Effected by The Holy Spirit Sanctification: Firstborn of Israelites Sanctified Sanctification: God Wills all Saints to Have Sanctification: Material Things Sanctified by Anointing Sanctification: Ministers: Set Apart to God's Service By Sanctification: Ministers: should Exhort Their People to Walk In Sanctification: Ministers: should Pray That Their People May Enjoy Complete Sanctification: None Can Inherit the Kingdom of God Without Sanctification: Offering up of Saints Acceptable Through Sanctification: Saints Elected to Salvation Through Sanctification: Saints Fitted for the Service of God By Sanctification: should Lead to Holiness Sanctification: should Lead to Mortification of Sin Sanctification: Tabernacle Sanctified by God's Presence Sanctification: The Alter Sanctifies the Gift Sanctification: The Church Made Glorious By Sanctification: The Lord is the Sanctifier Sanctification: Through the Atonement of Christ Sanctification: Through the Word of God Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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