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. This process is both instantaneous and progressive, beginning at the moment of salvation and continuing throughout the believer's life. The offering up of saints as acceptable to God is a key aspect of sanctification, emphasizing the transformation and consecration of believers through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding sanctification. In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul urges believers to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" . This verse highlights the believer's role in presenting themselves to God, a voluntary act of dedication and consecration. Christ's Role in Sanctification The offering up of saints as acceptable is made possible through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" . Christ's atoning death is the foundation upon which believers are sanctified, making them acceptable to God. Furthermore, 1 Peter 2:5 describes believers as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, "offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" . This passage underscores the mediating role of Christ, through whom believers' offerings are made acceptable. The Holy Spirit's Work The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification process. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul writes, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers 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 Spirit actively works within believers, transforming their hearts and minds to align with God's will. The Believer's Responsibility While sanctification is initiated by God, believers are called to actively participate in the process. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts, "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 purpose" . This passage highlights the cooperative nature of sanctification, where believers are to diligently pursue holiness while relying on God's enabling power. The Goal of Sanctification The ultimate goal of sanctification is to conform believers to the image of Christ, as stated in Romans 8:29: "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 results in a life that reflects God's character and brings glory to Him. Conclusion Sanctification, as the offering up of saints acceptable through Christ, is a dynamic and ongoing process. It involves the believer's active participation, the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, and the foundational sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through this divine-human partnership, believers are progressively made holy, set apart for God's purposes, and ultimately conformed to the likeness of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What is Sanctification? Saints and Faithful What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice. Sanctification. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Twenty-Ninth Day. Holiness and Chastisement. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... Scriptural Types. Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... 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 |
    |