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 progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation involves a deepening holiness and a growing separation from sin. The ultimate goal of sanctification is to reflect the character of God, as believers are called to "be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16).The process of sanctification is both a definitive act and a progressive journey. At the moment of salvation, believers are positionally sanctified, set apart as God's own. However, the ongoing work of sanctification involves the believer's active participation in the mortification of sin. Mortification, derived from the Latin word "mortificare," means to put to death. In the context of Christian living, it refers to the believer's responsibility to subdue sinful desires and actions through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the necessity of mortification in the life of a believer. In Romans 8:13, he writes, "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" . This verse underscores the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful nature. The mortification of sin is not achieved through human effort alone but through the Spirit's enabling power. Colossians 3:5 further instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . This passage highlights specific sins that must be actively resisted and eradicated from the believer's life. The call to mortification is a call to vigilance and intentionality in the pursuit of holiness. The process of sanctification and mortification is also a communal endeavor. Believers are encouraged to support one another in this journey, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us 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 Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging and holding each other accountable in the pursuit of holiness. The mortification of sin is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing but involves a positive pursuit of righteousness. Galatians 5:16-17 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh" . Walking by the Spirit involves cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, which stands in stark contrast to the works of the flesh. In summary, sanctification is an ongoing process that should lead to the mortification of sin in the believer's life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to actively put to death sinful desires and actions, while simultaneously pursuing righteousness and holiness. This transformative journey is both personal and communal, as believers support and encourage one another in their walk with Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 4:3,4For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Pietist and the Perfectionist. Concerning Perfection. The Thesis to be Proved The Duty of Self-Denial. The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride Justification by Faith. How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. " "Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ... Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Exposition of the Moral Law. Resources What is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org What is glorification? | 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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