Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning: Sanctification, in the biblical context, refers to the process by which God sets apart individuals or things for His holy purposes. It involves both an initial act of being made holy and a progressive journey of becoming more like Christ. The term is derived from the Hebrew word "qadash" and the Greek word "hagiasmos," both of which convey the idea of being set apart or consecrated.
Biblical Foundation: Sanctification is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's desire for His people to be holy as He is holy. In the Old Testament, sanctification often involved rituals and sacrifices that symbolized purification and dedication to God. For instance, in
Leviticus 20:7-8, God commands, "Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Keep My statutes and practice them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you."
In the New Testament, sanctification takes on a more personal and spiritual dimension through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In
1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Role of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is central to the believer's sanctification. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He provides the means for believers to be 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 indicates that sanctification is both a definitive act accomplished by Christ and an ongoing process in the believer's life.
The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of believers. He indwells and empowers Christians to live holy lives, transforming them into the image of Christ. In
2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul writes, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth."
Human Responsibility: While sanctification is primarily a work of God, believers are called to actively participate in the process. This involves obedience to God's Word, prayer, and the pursuit of holiness. 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."
Sanctification and the Church: The church, as the body of Christ, is also called to be sanctified.
Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the church, "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."
Eschatological Aspect: Sanctification has an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate perfection of believers in the presence of God. This future aspect is often referred to as glorification, where sanctification reaches its completion. In 1
John 3:2, it is written, "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."
Conclusion: Sanctification is a profound and multifaceted doctrine that underscores the transformative work of God in the life of a believer. It is both a divine act and a human responsibility, rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through sanctification, believers are called to reflect God's holiness and prepare for their eternal destiny with Him.