Sanctification is the process of becoming holy, set apart, or spiritually transformed. It refers to the ongoing work of God and the individual believer in growing closer to God, aligning with His will, and reflecting moral and spiritual purity.
Key Aspects of Sanctification
- Definition: Sanctification means “to make holy” or “to set apart.” It involves being dedicated to God’s purposes and growing in righteousness and character.
- The Purpose: To transform individuals into the likeness of God’s will, enabling them to live lives that honor Him and reflect His values.
- The Process: Sanctification is both an instant and progressive process:
- Initial Sanctification: Begins at the point of spiritual commitment when a person is set apart for God.
- Progressive Sanctification: Continues throughout life as the individual grows in understanding, faith, and good works.
- Final Sanctification: Reaches completion at the end of life or in eternity, when one is fully aligned with God’s holiness.
- How Sanctification Happens:
- God’s Role: Sanctification is initiated and sustained by God’s grace, in guiding, convicting, and empowering believers.
- Human Responsibility: It requires effort, including prayer, studying scripture, resisting temptation, and performing good deeds.
- “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.” (Philippians 2:12-13).
- Evidence of Sanctification:
- Growth in virtues such as love, patience, kindness, humility, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- A life increasingly free from harmful behaviors and more aligned with ethical and moral living.
Key Scripture References:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18: “We are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.”
- Hebrews 12:14: “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.