Sanctification
Sanctification is a process by which a believer is set apart for holy use and purified from sin to be more like Christ. Here are some key aspects of sanctification according to the Bible:
Old Testament: In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for “sanctify” is “qadash,” which means to set apart for sacred use. God is often described as holy (Isaiah 6:3; Leviticus 19:2), and the Israelites were called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6).
New Testament: In the New Testament, the Greek word for “sanctify” is “hagiazo,” which also means to set apart for God’s purposes. Believers are urged to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
Process of Sanctification:
Initial Sanctification: This occurs when a person is declared righteous before God and set apart as His child (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Progressive Sanctification: This is the ongoing process by which believers grow in holiness and become more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves the believer’s active participation in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Ultimate Sanctification: This will be completed when believers are finally and fully conformed to the image of Christ in heaven, free from the presence and power of sin (1 John 3:2).
Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification. He convicts believers of sin, empowers them to live a holy life, and produces the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Holiness and Obedience: Sanctification involves both inward transformation and outward obedience to God’s commands. Believers are called to flee from sin and pursue righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions (Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
Community and Accountability: Sanctification is not a solitary process but occurs within the context of the Christian community. Believers are encouraged to encourage one another, confess their sins to one another, and pray for one another as they strive to grow in holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16).
Sanctification according to the Bible is the ongoing process by which believers are set apart for God’s purposes, grow in holiness, and become more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, the study of God’s Word, and active participation in the Christian community. It involves both inward transformation and outward obedience to God’s commands, ultimately leading to the believer’s final and complete sanctification in heaven.