Topical Encyclopedia Sanctification is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, referring to the process by which individuals are set apart for the service and purposes of God. This process involves both a definitive act and a progressive journey, wherein believers are consecrated and transformed into the likeness of Christ. The term "sanctification" is derived from the Latin "sanctificare," meaning "to make holy," and is closely related to the Hebrew word "qadosh" and the Greek word "hagios," both of which convey the idea of holiness and separation.Biblical Foundation The concept of sanctification is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is presented as both a positional and practical reality. In the Old Testament, sanctification often involved the consecration of people, places, and objects for God's use. For instance, the priests and the tabernacle were sanctified for service to the Lord (Exodus 29:44: "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests"). In the New Testament, sanctification is primarily associated with the believer's relationship with Christ. It is through the atoning work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that believers are sanctified. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This verse highlights the definitive aspect of sanctification, accomplished through Christ's sacrifice. Positional Sanctification Positional sanctification refers to the believer's status before God, achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. This aspect of sanctification is immediate and complete at the moment of salvation. Believers are declared holy and set apart for God's purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:2 : "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours." Progressive Sanctification While positional sanctification is a one-time event, progressive sanctification is an ongoing process in the life of a believer. It involves spiritual growth and maturity, as the Holy Spirit works within individuals to conform them to the image of Christ. This process requires cooperation with the Spirit, obedience to God's Word, and the practice of spiritual disciplines. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers, "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 pleasure." The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of believers. It is through the Spirit's power that individuals are enabled to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. Romans 8:13 emphasizes this, stating, "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." The Spirit not only convicts of sin but also empowers believers to pursue righteousness and holiness. Separation from the World Sanctification involves a distinct separation from worldly values and behaviors. Believers are called to live differently from those who do not know Christ, reflecting God's holiness in their conduct. 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "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 underscores the believer's responsibility to live a life set apart for God's service. Sanctification and the Church The church, as the body of Christ, is also sanctified and called to be a holy community. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the church and His sanctifying work: "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." The church is to be a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of sanctification through its unity, love, and purity. Eschatological Sanctification Finally, sanctification has an eschatological dimension, pointing to the future completion of the believer's holiness. This ultimate sanctification will occur when Christ returns, and believers are fully conformed to His image. 1 John 3:2 offers this hope: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." This future aspect of sanctification assures believers of their final glorification and eternal separation to God's service. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 4:3But know that the LORD has set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call to him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 6:17 Library Consecration and Dedication Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving. Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Consecration and Preservation. Saints and Faithful Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross. Entire Sanctification Obtainable. 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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