You’ve probably heard the word “sanctification” thrown around in sermons or Bible studies, but have you ever stopped to think about what it truly means? Sanctification is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, and understanding it can help strengthen your faith. In this informal guide, we’ll break down the concept of sanctification and explore its significance from a Biblical perspective. Get ready to dive deep and uncover the transformative power of sanctification in your life!
The Basics of Sanctification
Sanctification, at its core, is the process by which a Christian becomes increasingly holy and Christlike. It is an ongoing, lifelong journey that begins at the moment of salvation and continues until a believer’s death. The term “sanctification” comes from the Greek word “hagiasmos,” which means “to be set apart” or “to be made holy.” This idea of being set apart is essential to understanding the concept of sanctification from a Biblical perspective.
In Christianity, God is considered holy, and He desires for His people to be holy as well. This is illustrated in 1 Peter 1:15-16, where it states, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” Sanctification is the means by which believers are transformed and conformed to the image of Christ, enabling them to live lives that reflect the holiness of God.
Sanctification is a work of God’s grace, not something that believers can achieve through their own efforts. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is important to understand that sanctification is not about earning God’s love or trying to prove one’s worthiness. Instead, it is about responding to the grace and love that God has already freely given.
There are three primary aspects of sanctification in Christianity: positional, progressive, and ultimate sanctification.
- Positional Sanctification: This aspect refers to the believer’s initial salvation experience. When a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are immediately declared holy in God’s eyes. This is because Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to them, and their sins are forgiven. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- Progressive Sanctification: This aspect is the ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity that takes place in a believer’s life. As Christians learn to rely on God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, they are gradually transformed into the image of Christ. This process involves both putting off sinful behaviors and adopting godly ones, as stated in Colossians 3:9-10: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
- Ultimate Sanctification: This is the final stage of sanctification, when believers will be made perfect and completely free from sin. This will occur when Jesus returns and believers are glorified in their resurrected bodies. Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
Sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian life, encompassing the believer’s initial salvation, ongoing spiritual growth, and eventual glorification. It is a work of God’s grace that enables believers to become increasingly holy and Christlike, reflecting the holiness of God in their lives.
The Process of Sanctification in a Believer’s Life
As mentioned earlier, sanctification is an ongoing, lifelong process that begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout a believer’s life. This process of spiritual growth is known as progressive sanctification, and it involves a partnership between the believer and the Holy Spirit. The aim of progressive sanctification is to transform believers into the image of Christ, enabling them to live lives that reflect the holiness of God.
There are several key aspects to the process of sanctification in a believer’s life:
- Abiding in Christ: One of the foundational elements of sanctification is abiding in Christ, which means maintaining a close, personal relationship with Jesus. This involves spending time in prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, and obeying His commandments. As Jesus said in John 15:4-5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
- The Renewal of the Mind: Sanctification involves the renewal of the mind, which is the process of replacing sinful thoughts and patterns of thinking with godly ones. Romans 12:2 instructs believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This renewal occurs as believers immerse themselves in Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to shape their thoughts and attitudes according to God’s truth.
- Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New Self: Sanctification requires believers to intentionally put off their old sinful nature and put on their new nature in Christ. This means turning away from sinful behaviors and adopting godly ones. Ephesians 4:22-24 states, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
- The Practice of Spiritual Disciplines: Engaging in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, and serving others, is an essential part of the sanctification process. These disciplines help believers cultivate a closer relationship with God, grow in their faith, and become more like Christ. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 encourages believers to “train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- The Role of Community: Sanctification is not meant to be a solitary endeavor. Believers are called to grow together in Christ as part of a community of faith. This involves participating in a local church, engaging in fellowship, and encouraging one another in their spiritual journeys. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The process of sanctification in a believer’s life involves abiding in Christ, renewing the mind, putting off the old self and putting on the new self, practicing spiritual disciplines, and participating in a community of faith.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification, as He is the one who empowers and enables believers to grow in holiness and become more like Christ. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the “Helper” or “Comforter,” and He is the third person of the Trinity, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ. In this section, we will examine the various ways in which the Holy Spirit actively participates in sanctification.
- Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts believers of their sin, helping them recognize areas in their lives that are not in alignment with God’s will. This conviction leads to repentance and the turning away from sinful behaviors. Jesus spoke about the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin in John 16:8, “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.”
- Regeneration: At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit regenerates the believer’s spirit, giving them new life in Christ. This is the beginning of the sanctification process. Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
- Indwelling: The Holy Spirit indwells believers, taking up residence within them and serving as a constant source of guidance, wisdom, and power. This indwelling is a gift from God, given to all who believe in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
- Empowerment: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives, providing the strength and ability to overcome temptation and sin. As believers yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, they are enabled to walk in the Spirit and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Galatians 5:16-17 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
- Transformation: The Holy Spirit actively works to transform believers into the image of Christ. This transformation process is often referred to as “spiritual growth” or “maturity.” It is through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment that believers can become more Christlike in their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, “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.”
- Bearing Fruit: The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit in the lives of believers, which are the visible manifestations of the sanctification process. These fruits are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As believers grow in their relationship with Christ and yield to the Holy Spirit’s work, these fruits become increasingly evident in their lives.
The Holy Spirit plays an indispensable role in the process of sanctification. He convicts believers of sin, regenerates their spirits, indwells them, empowers them to live godly lives and transforms them into the image of Christ.
The Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, involving a lifelong process of spiritual growth and transformation into the image of Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s active participation, sanctification leads to a life that reflects the holiness of God. As we continue to abide in Christ, practice spiritual disciplines, and participate in a community of faith, we will experience the transformative power of sanctification in our lives.
To further explore and reflect on this topic, consider the following personal questions:
- How am I actively participating in the process of sanctification in my life?
- In which areas do I need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment to overcome sin and grow in holiness?
- How can I better engage with my local church and Christian community to encourage one another in our journey of sanctification?
Remember, sanctification is a lifelong journey, and we must rely on the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness. Be encouraged that God is patient and faithful, continually working in our lives to mold us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. As Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
