What is Biblical Sanctification

Sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, focusing on the process by which believers are made holy and conformed to the image of YAHshúa (Jesus Christ). It is both a positional reality and a progressive work of God’s grace in the life of a believer. To understand biblical sanctification, it is essential to explore its definition, the stages of sanctification, the role of the Holy Spirit, the means and instruments of sanctification, the relationship between sanctification and justification, its effects, and the ultimate goal of sanctification.

1. The Definition of Sanctification

1.1 Sanctification as Being Set Apart:

At its core, sanctification means being set apart for God’s purposes. The Greek word for sanctification, "hagiasmos," conveys the idea of holiness, consecration, and dedication to God. In the Old Testament, objects, places, and people were sanctified or set apart for sacred use (Exodus 19:10-14). In the New Testament, sanctification refers to believers being set apart from sin and the world and dedicated to God’s service.

1.2 Sanctification as Moral and Spiritual Purity:

Sanctification also involves the process of moral and spiritual purification. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers into the likeness of Christ, enabling them to live in righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 describes this transformation: "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

1.3 Sanctification as a Progressive Process:

Sanctification is both a definitive act and a progressive process. While believers are positionally sanctified at the moment of justification, sanctification is also an ongoing work throughout the Christian life. 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes this progressive nature: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

2. The Stages of Sanctification

2.1 Positional Sanctification:

Positional sanctification refers to the believer’s status before God at the moment of salvation. When a person is justified by faith in Christ, they are also sanctified or set apart as holy in God’s sight. 1 Corinthians 6:11 states, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." This positional sanctification is complete and perfect because it is based on the finished work of Christ.

2.2 Progressive Sanctification:

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process by which believers grow in holiness and become more like Christ. It involves the gradual transformation of the believer’s character, desires, and behavior. Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes the believer’s active participation in this process: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." This stage of sanctification is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and maturity.

2.3 Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification):

Ultimate sanctification, also known as glorification, is the final stage of sanctification that occurs at the return of Christ. At this stage, believers are fully conformed to the image of Christ, free from the presence of sin. 1 John 3:2 describes this future reality: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Glorification is the consummation of the sanctification process, where believers are made perfect in holiness.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification

3.1 The Holy Spirit as the Agent of Sanctification:

The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 affirms this role: "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." The Holy Spirit works in the believer’s heart to convict of sin, renew the mind, and produce the fruit of righteousness.

3.2 The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, making their body a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This indwelling presence empowers believers to live a holy life and resist the power of sin. Romans 8:11 explains that "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." The indwelling Spirit is the source of spiritual life and vitality.

3.3 The Fruit of the Spirit:

Sanctification is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are produced in the believer by the Holy Spirit as they yield to His leading.

3.4 The Spirit’s Role in Conviction and Guidance:

The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin and guides them in the truth. John 16:13 says, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit’s conviction leads to repentance and growth in holiness, while His guidance helps believers discern God’s will and walk in obedience. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in sanctification is ongoing, providing continuous direction and empowerment for the Christian life.

4. The Means and Instruments of Sanctification

4.1 The Word of God:

The Word of God is a primary means of sanctification. Jesus prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." The Scriptures reveal God’s will, expose sin, and instruct believers in righteousness. By reading, meditating on, and applying God’s Word, believers are transformed and conformed to the image of Christ. The Word of God is the foundation for spiritual growth and the standard by which all aspects of life are measured.

4.2 Prayer:

Prayer is another essential means of sanctification. Through prayer, believers commune with God, seek His guidance, and ask for His strength to live a holy life. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to pray about everything, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Prayer aligns the believer’s will with God’s will and invites the Holy Spirit to work in their life.

4.3 The Sacraments (Ordinances):

The sacraments or ordinances, such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are means of grace that contribute to sanctification. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, marking the beginning of the sanctification journey (Romans 6:4). The Lord’s Supper is a regular reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the believer’s need for ongoing cleansing and renewal (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). These practices strengthen faith and deepen the believer’s commitment to holiness.

4.4 Fellowship and Community:

Christian fellowship and community play a significant role in sanctification. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Believers are called to encourage, admonish, and support one another in their walk with Christ. The community of believers provides accountability, mutual edification, and a context for practicing love and forgiveness.

4.5 Trials and Suffering:

God often uses trials and suffering as instruments of sanctification. James 1:2-4 teaches, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Trials refine the believer’s character, deepen their dependence on God, and produce perseverance. Through suffering, believers are conformed to the likeness of Christ, who Himself learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8).

5. The Relationship Between Sanctification and Justification

5.1 Distinction Between Justification and Sanctification:

Justification and sanctification, though closely related, are distinct aspects of salvation. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous based on the righteousness of Christ, while sanctification is the process of becoming righteous in practice. Justification is instantaneous and complete at the moment of faith, whereas sanctification is progressive and ongoing throughout the believer’s life.

5.2 The Inseparability of Justification and Sanctification:

While justification and sanctification are distinct, they are inseparable in the life of a believer. Those who are justified are also sanctified. Romans 8:30 illustrates this connection: "Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." Justification leads to sanctification, and sanctification is the evidence of justification. A justified believer will inevitably be engaged in the process of sanctification.

5.3 The Fruit of Justification in Sanctification:

Sanctification is the fruit and evidence of justification. James 2:17 teaches, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." True justification by faith produces a life of holiness and good works, which are the fruit of sanctification. These works do not contribute to justification but confirm that justification has occurred. In this sense, sanctification is the outworking of the righteousness received in justification.

6. The Effects of Sanctification

6.1 Growth in Christlikeness:

The primary effect of sanctification is growth in Christlikeness. As believers are sanctified, they become more like Christ in their character, attitudes, and actions. 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes this transformation: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." This growth in Christlikeness is the goal of sanctification and the evidence of spiritual maturity.

6.2 Increased Victory Over Sin:

Sanctification leads to increased victory over sin. Romans 6:14 declares, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." As believers grow in sanctification, they experience greater freedom from the power of sin and develop the ability to resist temptation. This victory is not achieved through human effort but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

6.3 Greater Love and Obedience:

Sanctification results in greater love for God and others, as well as a deeper commitment to obedience. Jesus taught that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). Sanctification involves growing in love, which is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). As believers are sanctified, their love for God and others deepens, and their desire to obey God’s commandments increases.

6.4 Increased Spiritual Discernment:

Sanctification enhances spiritual discernment, enabling believers to distinguish between good and evil and to make wise decisions. Hebrews 5:14 speaks of mature believers "who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." As believers grow in sanctification, their understanding of God’s will and their ability to apply biblical principles to life situations improve.

6.5 Enhanced Fellowship with God:

Sanctification deepens the believer’s fellowship with God. 1 John 1:7 teaches, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." Walking in holiness and obedience leads to a closer relationship with God, characterized by intimacy, prayer, and worship. Sanctification enables believers to experience the fullness of joy and peace that comes from abiding in God’s presence.

7. The Ultimate Goal of Sanctification

7.1 Conformity to the Image of Christ:

The ultimate goal of sanctification is conformity to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 states, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." God’s purpose in sanctification is to make believers like His Son, reflecting His character and glory. This conformity to Christ is the culmination of the sanctification process and will be fully realized in glorification.

7.2 Preparation for Eternal Life:

Sanctification prepares believers for eternal life in the presence of God. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Holiness is essential for entering into the fullness of eternal life. Sanctification is the process by which believers are made fit for heaven, where they will dwell with God in perfect holiness and joy forever.

7.3 The Glory of God:

The ultimate purpose of sanctification is the glory of God. Ephesians 1:4-6 explains that God chose and sanctified believers "to the praise of the glory of His grace." Sanctification is not merely for the benefit of the believer but for the exaltation of God’s name. As believers are sanctified, God’s holiness, grace, and power are displayed, bringing glory to Him.

Conclusion

Biblical sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, conformed to the image of YAHshúa the Christ. It is both a definitive act of being set apart for God and a progressive work of the Holy Spirit that continues throughout the believer’s life. Sanctification involves growth in Christlikeness, victory over sin, increased love and obedience, and deeper fellowship with God.

The means of sanctification include the Word of God, prayer, the sacraments, Christian fellowship, and trials. Sanctification is distinct from justification but inseparable from it, as it is the fruit and evidence of being justified by faith. The ultimate goal of sanctification is conformity to Christ, preparation for eternal life, and the glory of God.

Understanding the doctrine of sanctification deepens the believer’s commitment to holiness, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and desire to live a life that honors God. It is the ongoing work of God’s grace that shapes and prepares believers for their eternal destiny with Him.