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 will of God for all His saints.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding sanctification. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, the apostle Paul explicitly states, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality" . This verse underscores that sanctification is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate for all believers. It involves a moral and spiritual purification that aligns with God's holy nature. The Nature of Sanctification Sanctification is both positional and progressive. Positional sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation, where believers are declared holy through the righteousness of Christ. Hebrews 10:10 affirms this, saying, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" . This initial sanctification is a definitive act of God, setting the believer apart as holy. Progressive sanctification, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity. It involves the believer's active participation in becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 highlights this cooperative aspect: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—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 pleasure" . Means of Sanctification The means by which sanctification is accomplished are multifaceted. The Word of God plays a crucial role, as Jesus prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" . Scripture serves as a guide and a tool for transformation, renewing the mind and shaping the believer's character. The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification, empowering believers to overcome sin and grow in holiness. Romans 8:13 states, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" . The Spirit's indwelling presence enables believers to live victoriously over sin and to bear the fruit of righteousness. Prayer and fellowship with other believers are also vital components of sanctification. Through prayer, believers seek God's guidance and strength, while fellowship provides accountability and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" . The Goal of Sanctification The ultimate goal of sanctification is conformity to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 declares, "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 transformation is not merely external but involves a deep, internal change that reflects the character and love of Christ. Sanctification is a lifelong journey that culminates in glorification, where believers will be fully and finally sanctified in the presence of God. Until that day, the call to holiness remains a central aspect of the Christian life, as God wills all His saints to pursue sanctification with diligence and devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 4:3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God Wills Our Good. Application of Sanctification. Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ... God Has Everything to do with Prayer God's Will and Man's Will A Little Sanctuary Of the Eternal Felicity of the City of God, and of the Perpetual ... Daily Blessings for God's People Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision All Fulness in Christ 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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