Sanctification is the process by which believers in Jesus Christ are made holy. The word “sanctify” means to set apart for sacred use or to make holy. Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus Christ through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Basis for Sanctification
Sanctification has its basis in Scripture. Here are some key verses about sanctification:
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” This verse shows that sanctification is the will of God for believers.
Hebrews 10:10 says, “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This verse teaches that believers are sanctified through the death of Jesus on the cross. His sacrifice makes believers positionally sanctified before God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” This verse shows that Christ is our sanctification. As we are united to Christ, we receive the benefits of His righteousness and holiness.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” This verse describes sanctification as a process of being transformed into Christ’s image by the Holy Spirit.
Three Aspects of Sanctification
There are three main aspects of sanctification in the life of a believer:
1. Positional sanctification – This refers to the believer’s standing before God through faith in Jesus Christ. At the moment of salvation, the believer is sanctified, or set apart, by God. This sanctification is complete and final (Hebrews 10:10).
2. Progressive sanctification – This is the process of becoming more like Christ throughout the Christian life. It involves dying to sin and living to righteousness (Romans 6:11-14). This is also called practical sanctification. It is ongoing as the believer cooperates with God (Philippians 2:12-13).
3. Ultimate sanctification – This is the final removal of all sin from the believer’s life when he or she is glorified in heaven. At this point, the sanctification process is complete and the believer’s status matches his or her standing (1 John 3:2).
How Does Sanctification Happen?
Sanctification is a work of God in the life of a believer. Here are some key ways sanctification takes place:
– Through God’s Word – as we study and apply Scripture, it renews our minds and transforms our lives (John 17:17).
– By the Holy Spirit – the Spirit guides us into truth, convicts of sin, produces fruit in our lives, and conforms us to Christ’s image (Galatians 5:22-23).
– In Christ – our union with Christ enables us to receive the benefits of His righteousness and holiness (1 Corinthians 1:30).
– By faith – we respond to God’s word and Spirit by faith, trusting in His promises and relying on His grace (Acts 26:18).
– Through obedience – we pursue obedience and good works as evidence of true faith (James 2:14-26).
– In community – fellowship, accountability, and service in the church aids sanctification (Hebrews 10:24-25).
– Through trials – difficult experiences refine our faith and develop Christlike character (Romans 5:3-5).
Sanctification is initiated by God, but we have a role to play by pursuing spiritual disciplines and active obedience by the power of the Spirit. It brings glory to God as we grow in Christlikeness.
What Are the Results of Sanctification?
Some of the fruits that accompany sanctification in a believer’s life include:
– Holiness – being set apart from sin and dedicated to God (Romans 6:22).
– Righteousness – pursuing moral excellence as God renews our minds (Ephesians 4:24).
– Purity – abstaining from evil desires and ungodly passions (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
– Spiritual growth – maturing in our faith as we gain knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:5-8).
– Christlikeness – increasingly reflecting Jesus’ character and conduct (Romans 8:29).
– Victory over sin – breaking sinful habits and fleshly bondage (Romans 6:14).
– Good works – practicing love, serving others, and bearing gospel fruit (Colossians 1:10).
– Intimacy with God – developing a deeper love relationship with the Lord (John 15:4-5).
As we cooperate with God’s sanctifying work, we can experience increasing freedom from sin’s power and a greater depth of fellowship with God.
How Should Christians Respond to Sanctification?
Here are some important ways Christians should respond to the doctrine and process of sanctification:
– Thank God – Sanctification is an expression of God’s grace and love. We should be grateful for His patient refining work in our lives (Philippians 1:6).
– Reckon yourself dead to sin – We must continually put sin to death and pursue new life in Christ (Romans 6:11).
– Present yourself to God – We must offer ourselves fully to righteousness and obedience to God’s will (Romans 6:13, 19).
– Pursue holiness – As Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” We must actively chase after sanctification.
– Engage spiritual disciplines – Bible study, prayer, fasting, service, etc. are key tools God uses to sanctify us.
– Depend on the Holy Spirit – The Spirit produces His fruit as we submit to His control and guidance (Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23).
– Endure trials – Difficulties are used by God to refine our faith and make us more like Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).
– Community – Churches provide encouragement, teaching, and accountability to help us in our sanctification.
As we respond in obedience, God promises to complete His sanctifying work in each of His children (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Warnings and Encouragements Related to Sanctification
The Bible offers many warnings and encouragements when it comes to the process of sanctification:
– Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14) – This serves as a sobering warning against complacency or disobedience in pursuing sanctification.
– Make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10) – We are exhorted to confirm our salvation by pursuing godliness. Sanctification provides evidence of genuine saving faith.
– God disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:5-11) – Hardship and trials are used by God to produce righteousness in our lives. We can take comfort that it reflects God’s love.
– Flee youthful passions (2 Timothy 2:22) – Young believers especially must actively avoid temptation and harmful desires that wage war against the soul.
– The Lord will perfect that which concerns me (Psalm 138:8) – This offers encouragement that God will be faithful to complete His sanctifying work in our lives.
– Imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) – Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus provides motivation and a model for pursuing sanctification.
As we heed these warnings and find hope in God’s promises, we can joyfully pursue sanctification knowing God is at work to make us holy as He is holy.
Misunderstandings About Sanctification
There are some common misunderstandings when it comes to sanctification:
– Sinless perfectionism – Some mistakenly believe sanctification eradicates our sinful desires in this life. But sinless perfection is unattainable short of glorification.
– “Let go and let God” – Passivity about sanctification is unbiblical. We have a responsibility to pursue holiness in dependence on the Spirit.
– Instantaneous sanctification – Growth in Christlikeness is a lifelong process that involves struggle and takes time. There are no shortcuts.
– Works-based righteousness – Sanctification is not about earning salvation but it is the fruit and evidence of salvation already freely given.
– Self-effort – Sanctification is not willpower but Spirit-empowered obedience flowing from a transformed heart.
– Second blessing – Some teach sanctification as a dramatic post-conversion experience. But the Bible depicts it as a gradual process.
Avoiding these errors helps us have a robust, biblical view of sanctification that properly balances God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in the pursuit of holiness.
Practical Application of Sanctification
Here are some ways Christians can apply the doctrine of sanctification:
– Regularly confess and repent of sin (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin hinders sanctification.
– Study and memorize Scripture (Psalm 119:9-11). God’s Word renews our minds and transforms our conduct.
– Pray for holiness and dependence on the Spirit (Psalm 51:10). Ask God to develop His fruit in your life.
– Practice spiritual disciplines like fasting to boost sanctification. Fasting subdues the flesh and intensifies focus on God.
– Pursue accountability and community that spurs you on to Christlikeness (Hebrews 10:24-25).
– Be alert to temptation and ready to flee immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Avoid compromise.
– Serve the Lord with your gifts and resources (1 Peter 4:10-11). This pleases God and benefits others.
– Be quick to repent after spiritual failure. Return to the Lord and His grace (Revelation 2:5).
As we apply the biblical doctrine of sanctification, we can grow in holiness for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel.
Conclusion
Sanctification is the powerful process by which God increasingly conforms believers into the image of Christ through the Spirit’s work. It involves both positional standing and practical growth. As we respond in faith and obedience to God’s sanctifying work, we can make progress in holiness. We must avoid unbiblical views of sanctification that downplay the need for our active pursuit of Christlikeness. Despite struggles with sin, we can joyfully make progress in sanctification, knowing that one day we will be made perfectly holy when we meet Jesus face to face.
