Sanctification is the process by which God makes believers holy. It is both a one-time act and an ongoing journey. In Scripture, sanctification means being set apart for God’s purposes and growing to reflect His character in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The Meaning of Sanctification
The word "sanctify" means to make holy or to set apart. When we are saved, God declares us holy because of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is called positional sanctification. From that moment, the Holy Spirit works in us daily to transform our hearts and lives. This ongoing work is progressive sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 — "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality."
The Source of Sanctification
We do not make ourselves holy by our own strength. Sanctification is the work of God in us. Jesus prayed for believers to be sanctified through the truth of His Word.
John 17:17 — "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
God uses the Bible, prayer, fellowship, and life’s trials to shape us into the image of Christ.
Three Stages of Sanctification
Sanctification can be understood in three stages:
| Stage | Description | Key Verse & Text |
|---|---|---|
| Positional | Declared holy at salvation through Christ’s finished work | Hebrews 10:10 — "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." |
| Progressive | Ongoing growth in holiness during our lifetime | 2 Corinthians 3:18 — "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." |
| Ultimate (Glorification) | Complete holiness when we are with the Lord forever | 1 John 3:2 — "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." |
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, gives us the power to obey God, and produces spiritual fruit in our lives. Without Him, sanctification is impossible.
Galatians 5:22-23 — "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Our Part in Sanctification
Though sanctification is God’s work, we are called to cooperate with Him. This means resisting sin, renewing our minds, and walking in obedience.
- Reading and applying God’s Word
- Praying daily
- Confessing and turning from sin
- Staying in fellowship with other believers
- Serving others with love
Philippians 2:12-13 — "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Why Sanctification Matters
Sanctification shows the world that we belong to Jesus. It deepens our relationship with God, strengthens our witness, and prepares us for eternity.
Hebrews 12:14 — "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
