Sanctification: Through the Word of God
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Sanctification, a fundamental concept in Christian theology, refers 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, deeply rooted in the Word of God. The Scriptures serve as the primary means through which sanctification is realized in the life of a believer.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the role of God's Word in sanctification. In John 17:17, Jesus prays to the Father, saying, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" . This verse underscores the truth of God's Word as the agent of sanctification, highlighting its power to purify and consecrate believers.

The Role of Scripture

Scripture functions as a mirror, revealing the character of God and the sinfulness of humanity. James 1:23-25 compares the Word to a mirror, urging believers to not only hear the Word but also to act upon it. The transformative power of Scripture lies in its ability to convict, instruct, and guide believers toward holiness.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes the sanctifying work of the Word in the context of marriage, drawing a parallel to Christ's relationship with the Church: "to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word" (Ephesians 5:26). This imagery of cleansing illustrates the purifying effect of Scripture on the believer's life.

The Process of Renewal

Sanctification through the Word involves a continual process of renewal. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" . This renewal is achieved through the consistent study and application of Scripture, which reshapes the believer's thoughts, attitudes, and actions to align with God's will.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

While the Word of God is central to sanctification, it operates in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, enabling believers to understand and apply its truths. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul acknowledges this divine synergy: "God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and by faith in the truth" . The Spirit empowers believers to live out the truths of Scripture, producing the fruit of sanctification in their lives.

Practical Implications

The sanctifying power of the Word calls believers to a life of obedience and submission to God's commands. Psalm 119:11 declares, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You" . This internalization of Scripture serves as a safeguard against sin and a catalyst for spiritual growth.

Moreover, the Word equips believers for every good work. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work" . The comprehensive nature of Scripture ensures that believers are thoroughly prepared to fulfill God's purposes.

Conclusion

Sanctification through the Word of God is an ongoing journey that requires diligence, humility, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As believers immerse themselves in Scripture, they are progressively transformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of their lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 17:17,19
Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek
365. ananeoo -- to renew
... reminded of God's continuous offer to bring new strides in their sanctification
through "sanctified reasoning" -- raising the meaning to and . Word Origin from ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/365.htm - 7k

3962. pater -- a father
... Through ongoing sanctification, the believer more and more their heavenly Father --
ie each time they receive faith from Him and ... Word Origin a prim. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3962.htm - 8k

1411. dunamis -- (miraculous) power, might, strength
... Power through God's ability" (1411 ... of life to really grow in sanctification and prepare ...
Word Origin from dunamai Definition (miraculous) power, might, strength ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1411.htm - 8k

Library

On the Sanctification of Man
... The author of sanctification is God, the Holy Father himself ... Son who is the Holy
of holies, through the Spirit ... The external instrument is the word of God; the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlix on the sanctification.htm

The Relation of the Will of God to Sanctification
... meaning of another text which stands alone in the Word of God ... "Through the offering
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Our sanctification is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the relation of the will.htm

What is Sanctification?
... to yield themselves to God and His word, will soon ... He implored the Father for the
sanctification of the ... them also which shall believe on me through their word ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter i what is sanctification.htm

Sanctification in Fellowship with Immanuel
... this is the blessed comfort of the Word, that Christ Himself is our sanctification. ...
and of the profound word: "Now are ye clean through the word which I ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii sanctification in fellowship with.htm

Sanctification.
... we can still do much to promote our sanctification, and make ... In the chapter on the
Word of God as a ... we showed that the Holy Spirit sanctifies through the Word. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxii sanctification.htm

I Believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the ...
... For although the grace of God is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought
by the Holy Ghost through the Word of God in the unity of the Christian ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/i believe in the holy.htm

The vine and the Branches
... to all the known word of God and were clean through that word, but they had ... hearts
by faith," as Peter himself testifies of the sanctification of himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter x the vine and.htm

Sanctification
... "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." What folly, therefore, to
think that ... Second: Just what, therefore, is this work of sanctification? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/sanctification.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... through the blood; then entire sanctification through the Spirit. ... His quotation abruptly,
without saying a word about "the day of vengeance of our God." It was ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Entire Sanctification a Necessity.
... as derived from the written word of God ... the ceaseless struggles by which, with God's
added and ... to hear the message of entire sanctification through the baptism ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter i entire sanctification a.htm

Resources
What is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org

What is glorification? | GotQuestions.org

Sanctification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Sanctification

Sanctification in Christ

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: Typified

Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Related Terms

Adoption (5 Occurrences)

Slaves (119 Occurrences)

Holiness (76 Occurrences)

Sanbal'lat (10 Occurrences)

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)

Baptismal (1 Occurrence)

Uncleanness (56 Occurrences)

Saved (183 Occurrences)

Unchastity (5 Occurrences)

Outcome (26 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Limitations (3 Occurrences)

Weakness (25 Occurrences)

Whoredom (58 Occurrences)

Impurity (42 Occurrences)

Immorality (38 Occurrences)

Firstborn (119 Occurrences)

First-born (110 Occurrences)

Thessalonians (6 Occurrences)

Transfiguration

Things (10975 Occurrences)

Reap (35 Occurrences)

Resulting (7 Occurrences)

Enslaved (18 Occurrences)

Establishing (18 Occurrences)

Deliverance (86 Occurrences)

Derive (1 Occurrence)

Destined (25 Occurrences)

Dedication (16 Occurrences)

Multiplied (109 Occurrences)

Modesty (4 Occurrences)

Members (54 Occurrences)

Presented (114 Occurrences)

Propriety (3 Occurrences)

Benefit (39 Occurrences)

Circumcision (98 Occurrences)

Child-bearing (1 Occurrence)

Childbearing (5 Occurrences)

Cleanse (75 Occurrences)

Consisting (6 Occurrences)

Weak (102 Occurrences)

Abstain (13 Occurrences)

Abidan (5 Occurrences)

Avoid (31 Occurrences)

Ablution

Self-righteousness

Selves (14 Occurrences)

Source (16 Occurrences)

Sanctity (1 Occurrence)

Sobriety (3 Occurrences)

Sprinkled (55 Occurrences)

Regeneration (2 Occurrences)

Sexual (59 Occurrences)

Result (73 Occurrences)

Fornication (52 Occurrences)

Lewdness (68 Occurrences)

Servants (763 Occurrences)

Faith (769 Occurrences)

Passover (81 Occurrences)

Chose (59 Occurrences)

Justification (6 Occurrences)

Sacrifice (300 Occurrences)

Honorable (42 Occurrences)

Church (110 Occurrences)

Wickedness (232 Occurrences)

Leading (101 Occurrences)

Control (88 Occurrences)

Snow (25 Occurrences)

Gospel (108 Occurrences)

Offer (403 Occurrences)

Thank (68 Occurrences)

Age-during (167 Occurrences)

Sprinkling (48 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Vessel (118 Occurrences)

Further (121 Occurrences)

Defilement (12 Occurrences)

Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)

Possess (193 Occurrences)

Sanctification: Through the Atonement of Christ
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