Sanctification as a Process
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Sanctification, in Christian theology, refers to the process by which believers are set apart for God's purposes and are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is both a definitive act and an ongoing process, rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer's cooperation with divine grace.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of sanctification is deeply embedded in Scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of sanctification. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable." Here, sanctification is presented as God's will for believers, emphasizing moral purity and self-control.

In Romans 6:19 , Paul further elaborates, "Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to sanctification." This passage highlights the transformative aspect of sanctification, where believers are called to live righteously, leading to holiness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul states, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are 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." The Spirit works within believers to produce spiritual fruit and to conform them to the image of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).

Cooperation with Divine Grace

While sanctification is initiated by God, it requires the active participation of the believer. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers 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." This passage underscores the synergistic nature of sanctification, where human effort and divine empowerment work together.

Progressive Nature

Sanctification is not instantaneous but rather a lifelong journey. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This verse captures the tension between the already and the not yet—believers are positionally sanctified through Christ's sacrifice, yet they are continually being sanctified in their daily lives.

Practical Implications

The process of sanctification involves practical steps such as regular prayer, study of Scripture, participation in the sacraments, and fellowship with other believers. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs, "to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Challenges and Perseverance

Believers may face challenges and setbacks in their sanctification journey. However, the assurance of God's faithfulness provides encouragement. Philippians 1:6 offers hope: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This promise assures believers that God will complete the work He has started in them.

Sanctification as a process is a central tenet of Christian life, calling believers to a continual pursuit of holiness and deeper relationship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the truth of Scripture.
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

Anointed (132 Occurrences)

Sanctifying (22 Occurrences)

Consecrated (101 Occurrences)

Purified (44 Occurrences)

Sanctify (91 Occurrences)

Sanctification (13 Occurrences)

Vindicate (18 Occurrences)

Unbelieving (22 Occurrences)

One-fifth (7 Occurrences)

Furnishings (22 Occurrences)

Estimation (19 Occurrences)

Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences)

Eliashib (15 Occurrences)

Meah (1 Occurrence)

Abinadab (12 Occurrences)

Smiting (76 Occurrences)

Otherwise (78 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Instruments (136 Occurrences)

Rebuilt (47 Occurrences)

Purify (39 Occurrences)

Offering (850 Occurrences)

Inheritance (263 Occurrences)

Hananeel (3 Occurrences)

Hananel (4 Occurrences)

Slew (206 Occurrences)

Furniture (24 Occurrences)

Washed (113 Occurrences)

Hanan'el (1 Occurrence)

Unclean (393 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Dedicated (37 Occurrences)

Profaned (43 Occurrences)

Builded (65 Occurrences)

Manifest (74 Occurrences)

Hammeah (2 Occurrences)

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)

Prove (83 Occurrences)

Believing (84 Occurrences)

Eleazar (74 Occurrences)

Finished (157 Occurrences)

Ashamed (131 Occurrences)

Clothed (153 Occurrences)

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Acted (98 Occurrences)

Unable (102 Occurrences)

Polluted (80 Occurrences)

Holiness (76 Occurrences)

Cleanse (75 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Serving (85 Occurrences)

Garments (232 Occurrences)

Doors (149 Occurrences)

Wife (437 Occurrences)

Hung (27 Occurrences)

Quarreled (8 Occurrences)

7000 (3 Occurrences)

10000 (8 Occurrences)

Course (87 Occurrences)

Vestibule (36 Occurrences)

Vindicated (10 Occurrences)

Zadokites (1 Occurrence)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Kiriathjearim

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Kettles (2 Occurrences)

Necks (28 Occurrences)

Unrighteously (6 Occurrences)

Unfaithfulness (27 Occurrences)

Unholy (23 Occurrences)

Ours (63 Occurrences)

Origin (25 Occurrences)

Our's (5 Occurrences)

Outraged (3 Occurrences)

Job's (11 Occurrences)

Justified (46 Occurrences)

Jearim (19 Occurrences)

Willing-offering (6 Occurrences)

Sanctification and Sexual Purity
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