Topical Encyclopedia Sanctification is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, referring to the process by which believers are made holy and set apart for God's purposes. It is both an instantaneous act and a progressive journey, essential for those who seek to inherit the Kingdom of God. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into this transformative process, emphasizing its necessity for entering God's eternal kingdom.Biblical Foundation The New Testament frequently addresses the theme of sanctification, underscoring its importance in the life of a believer. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." This passage highlights the transformative power of sanctification, which cleanses believers from their past sins and sets them on a path toward holiness. It is through sanctification that believers are made fit to inherit the Kingdom of God, as they are conformed to the image of Christ. The Role of the Holy Spirit Sanctification is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to live according to God's will. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers, stating, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are 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's role in sanctification is to convict believers of sin, guide them into all truth, and produce the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23). This ongoing work is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, enabling believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. The Call to Holiness Sanctification involves a call to holiness, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are exhorted, "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 is not optional but a divine mandate for those who belong to God. The pursuit of holiness requires believers to separate themselves from worldly influences and to dedicate themselves fully to God's service. Hebrews 12:14 reinforces this necessity: "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Sanctification and Justification While sanctification is distinct from justification, the two are closely related. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, while sanctification is the process of becoming righteous in practice. Romans 6:22 illustrates this relationship: "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." Both justification and sanctification are integral to the believer's salvation experience, with sanctification serving as evidence of genuine faith and the transformative power of the gospel. The Ultimate Goal The ultimate goal of sanctification is to prepare believers for eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's purpose for the church: "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." This passage underscores the eschatological dimension of sanctification, as believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ, culminating in their presentation as holy and blameless before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 6:9-11Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Petilianus Said: "But He Thus Praises the Ointment of Concord ... "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ... God's Love for a Sinning World Christ Our Righteousness. Scriptural Christianity The Unity of the Divine Being Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... Fruits and the Two Works. The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... 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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