Topical Encyclopedia Sanctification is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, referring to the process by which believers are set apart for the service of God and transformed into the likeness of Christ. This divine work is both an instantaneous act and a progressive journey, involving the believer's cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The term "sanctification" is derived from the Latin "sanctificare," meaning "to make holy," and is closely related to the Greek word "hagiasmos," which appears frequently in the New Testament.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents sanctification as an essential aspect of the believer's life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable." This passage underscores the moral and ethical dimensions of sanctification, emphasizing purity and self-control as evidence of a sanctified life. 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 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 sanctifying work of the Spirit and by faith in the truth." The Holy Spirit's role is to convict, guide, and transform believers, enabling them to grow in holiness and righteousness. The Believer's Responsibility While sanctification is a divine work, it requires the active participation of the believer. 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 called to pursue holiness while relying on God's enabling power. Sanctification as a Process Sanctification is both a definitive act and a progressive process. At the moment of conversion, believers are positionally sanctified, set apart as holy in Christ. Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." However, the practical outworking of sanctification is ongoing, as believers are continually being conformed to the image of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul describes this transformation: "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." Sanctification and Service The ultimate purpose of sanctification is to prepare believers for effective service in God's kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Sanctified believers are called to be vessels of honor, ready for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). This readiness for service is a hallmark of a sanctified life, as believers seek to glorify God through their actions and witness. Conclusion Sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian life, encompassing both the believer's position in Christ and their ongoing transformation into His likeness. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer's active participation, sanctification prepares the saints for service, enabling them to fulfill God's purposes and reflect His glory in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 2:21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared to every good work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints Reprobation. Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs The Sovereignty of God in Salvation The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Growth in Grace. The Monk Nilus. Paul a Pattern of Prayer 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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