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 journey, rooted in the work of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The New Testament presents sanctification as an integral part of the believer's salvation experience. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, the Apostle Paul writes, "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." Here, sanctification is directly linked to Christ, who embodies holiness and imparts it to believers. Christ as the Source of Sanctification Christ's role in sanctification is multifaceted. He is both the source and the means by which believers are sanctified. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the foundation for sanctification. 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 verse underscores the definitive aspect of sanctification, accomplished through Christ's atoning work. The Role of the Holy Spirit While Christ's work is the basis for sanctification, the Holy Spirit actively applies this sanctification in the believer's life. The Spirit works to conform believers to the image of Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Progressive Sanctification Sanctification is not only a one-time event but also a continuous process. Believers are called to grow in holiness, striving to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Philippians 2:12-13 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 purpose." This passage highlights the cooperative nature of sanctification, where human effort and divine empowerment work in tandem. The Goal of Sanctification The ultimate goal of sanctification is to prepare believers for eternal communion with God. Ephesians 5:25-27 illustrates this purpose: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." Practical Implications Sanctification has practical implications for daily Christian living. It calls believers to pursue holiness, resist sin, and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This pursuit is not merely a personal endeavor but a communal one, as believers encourage and edify one another in their spiritual growth. Conclusion Sanctification, as made possible through Christ, is a profound aspect of the Christian faith. It encompasses both the initial act of being set apart for God and the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. Through the work of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are continually transformed, reflecting the holiness of God in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ... Twenty-Second Day. In Christ Our Sanctification. Christ Our Sanctification. The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ... Christ as Wisdom and Sanctification and Redemption. January 31. "Jesus, who of God is Made unto us Wisdom, and ... Sirs, what must I do to be Saved? and they Said, Believe on the ... Entire Sanctification as Taught by Jesus Christ. Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ... How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Resources What is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org What is glorification? | 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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