Topical Encyclopedia Sanctification, a fundamental concept in Christian theology, refers 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, primarily effected by Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice and ongoing intercession.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding sanctification as a work accomplished by Christ. In Hebrews 10:10, the author declares, "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, achieved through Christ's sacrificial death, which sets believers apart as holy. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 1:30 emphasizes that Christ Himself is the source of sanctification: "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 presented as an integral part of the believer's union with Christ, highlighting that it is not merely a human effort but a divine gift. Christ's Role in Sanctification Christ's role in sanctification is multifaceted. Firstly, His atoning death on the cross provides the basis for the believer's sanctification. Through His blood, believers are cleansed from sin and set apart for God's service. Hebrews 13:12 states, "And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to sanctify the people by His own blood." Secondly, Christ's resurrection and ascension ensure His ongoing intercession for believers, which is crucial for their sanctification. Romans 8:34 affirms, "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." This intercession sustains and empowers believers in their journey toward holiness. The Progressive Nature of Sanctification While sanctification is initiated by Christ's finished work, it is also a progressive process in the life of the believer. This ongoing transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to indwell and guide His followers. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This prayer highlights the role of divine truth, as revealed in Scripture, in the believer's sanctification. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:18, describes this transformative process: "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." This verse illustrates the dynamic and continuous nature of sanctification, as believers are gradually conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Practical Implications The sanctification effected by Christ has profound implications for the believer's daily life. It calls for a response of obedience and cooperation with the Holy Spirit's work. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." This passage emphasizes the believer's active participation in the sanctification process, empowered by God's enabling grace. Moreover, sanctification involves a call to holiness and moral purity, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3: "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality." This call to holiness is a reflection of the believer's new identity in Christ and a testimony to the transformative power of His sanctifying work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:12 Library Whether after Christ, it was Proper to the Blessed virgin to be ... Christ's Prayer Answered. Christ Predestinated to be the Son of God. Whether, at the Time of the Law, the Ceremonies of the Old Law had ... Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868. Whether a Sacrament is a Sign of one Thing Only? Whether the Accomplishment of Christ's Conception Should be ... The Apostolic Experience Whether the Blessed virgin was Cleansed from the Infection of the ... Implanting in Christ. Resources What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is progressive sanctification? | GotQuestions.org What is positional sanctification? | 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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