Sanctification

Sanctification is a difficult word to describe and understand and isn’t a word that is in ordinary use. It is a multifaceted concept with several key aspects.

At its core, sanctification means being set apart for God’s special use and purpose. This separation is both positional and progressive. Positional sanctification is when a person believes in Jesus Christ, they are instantly and completely set apart from the world and dedicated to God. This is a one-time act of God’s grace. Progressive sanctification is an ongoing process throughout a Christian’s life, where they grow in holiness and become more like Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions.

Sanctification is closely linked to holiness, which is the state of being morally pure and dedicated to God. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed to reflect God’s character more and more.

Sanctification is both God’s work in us and our active response to His grace. God initiates and empowers sanctification through the Holy Spirit, but we are called to cooperate with Him by pursuing holiness and obedience.

Various means contribute to the process of sanctification, including reading the Bible as the primary tool for spiritual growth and transformation. Communication with God through prayer helps us align our hearts and minds with His will. Community with other believers provides encouragement and accountability and practices like fasting, meditation, and study deepen our relationship with God.

The ultimate goal of sanctification is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This means reflecting His love, compassion, righteousness, and holiness in every aspect of our lives.

In summary, sanctification is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. It’s a process initiated and empowered by God’s grace but requires our active participation. Through the means of grace, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work, ultimately leading to a life of greater holiness and Christlikeness.