The term "sanctified" refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes, made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. In the Christian context, sanctification is both an instantaneous act and a progressive process. It is a key aspect of the believer's spiritual journey, reflecting a life dedicated to God and His will.

Biblical Foundation

Sanctification is rooted in the character of God, who is holy and calls His people to be holy. 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." This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives that reflect their sanctified status.

Instantaneous Sanctification

Upon conversion, believers are sanctified positionally through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 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 initial sanctification is a definitive act, setting the believer apart as holy in the sight of God.

Progressive Sanctification

While sanctification begins at conversion, it is also a lifelong process. The Apostle Paul speaks to this ongoing work in Philippians 1:6 : "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 process involves the believer's active participation in spiritual growth, through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctification, empowering believers to overcome sin and grow in holiness. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul writes, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." The Spirit works within believers to transform their hearts and minds, aligning them with God's will.

Sanctification and the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a sanctified community. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the church, "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, reflecting the holiness of God through its collective life and mission.

Practical Implications

Sanctification has practical implications for daily living. Believers are called to pursue righteousness, flee from sin, and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This pursuit involves a conscious effort to live according to God's standards, relying on His grace and strength.

Eschatological Aspect

The process of sanctification will be completed at the return of Christ, when believers will be 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 glorification is the culmination of the sanctifying work begun in the believer's life.

In summary, sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing both a definitive act and an ongoing process. It is the work of God in the believer, through the Holy Spirit, to transform them into the likeness of Christ, preparing them for eternal life in His presence.