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 transformative process is primarily effected by God Himself, as He works within believers to purify and consecrate them for His service.Divine Initiative in Sanctification The Bible consistently emphasizes that sanctification is initiated and sustained by God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the Apostle Paul writes, "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 underscores that it is God who sanctifies believers wholly, indicating His active role in the process. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of believers. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul states, "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 Holy Spirit works within believers to convict, guide, and empower them to live holy lives, aligning their actions and thoughts with God's will. Sanctification Through the Word God also uses His Word as a means of sanctification. In John 17:17, Jesus prays to the Father, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" . The Scriptures serve as a divine tool for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, as noted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Through engagement with the Word, believers are continually transformed and renewed in their minds. The Work of Christ The sanctifying work of God is deeply rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 declares, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" . Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the foundation for believers' sanctification, as His righteousness is imputed to them, setting them apart as holy before God. God's Faithfulness in Sanctification God's faithfulness ensures the completion of the sanctification process. Philippians 1:6 assures believers, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" . This promise highlights God's unwavering commitment to perfecting the work He has started in each believer. Sanctification as a Divine Calling Believers are called to live sanctified lives as a response to God's sanctifying work. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is written, "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 call to holiness reflects the believer's participation in God's sanctifying work, as they seek to live in accordance with His holy nature. In summary, sanctification is a divine work, initiated and sustained by God through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and the redemptive work of Christ. It is a process that reflects God's faithfulness and His desire for His people to be holy, set apart for His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 37:28And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the middle of them for ever more. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Jude 1:1 Library Whether after Christ, it was Proper to the Blessed virgin to be ... Whether the Power of the Keys Extends to the Remission of Guilt? ... Holiness Sanctification and Justification (Continued). Eunomius Again Speaks of the Son as Lord and God Christ Predestinated to be the Son of God. The Apostolic Experience Whether Blessing and Sanctifying are Due to the Seventh Day? Consciousness of God's Presence. Justification from Eternity 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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