What is sanctification?
Quick Answer
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.
Understanding Sanctification
Sanctification comes from the Greek word 'hagiasmos,' meaning to make holy or set apart. While justification is God's declaration of our righteous standing, sanctification is the actual transformation of our character. It has both positional and progressive aspects. Positionally, believers are already 'saints' (holy ones), set apart for God at conversion. Progressively, believers are being made holy through the Spirit's work over a lifetime. This involves the mortification (putting to death) of sinful habits and the cultivation of godly virtues. Sanctification is both God's work (He sanctifies us) and requires human cooperation (we pursue holiness). It will be completed at glorification when believers are entirely freed from sin's presence and made perfect in Christ's image.
In the Old Testament
Holiness is a central theme in the Old Testament. God is supremely holy - separate from all creation and morally pure. Israel was called to be holy because their God was holy (Leviticus 19:2). The tabernacle and temple had degrees of holiness, with the Holy of Holies being most sacred. Objects, places, and people were sanctified (set apart) for God's service. The Hebrew word 'qadosh' (holy) emphasizes separation and purity. The Law's purity regulations taught Israel about the holiness God requires, even as the sacrificial system provided a means of maintaining covenant relationship despite inevitable failures.
In the New Testament
The New Testament applies holiness language to all believers, not just priests. Christians are called 'saints' (holy ones) and the church is described as a 'holy nation' (1 Peter 2:9). The Holy Spirit indwells believers, making their bodies temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Sanctification is both a reality (believers are sanctified in Christ) and a pursuit (believers are commanded to pursue holiness). The New Testament provides extensive instruction on how to 'put off' the old self and 'put on' the new (Ephesians 4:22-24), describing the practical outworking of sanctification in daily life.
Key Scripture References
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.”
Read full commentary →Hebrews 12:14“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Read full commentary →Romans 6:22“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
Read full commentary →2 Corinthians 3:18“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Read full commentary →Philippians 2:12-13“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Read full commentary →1 Peter 1:15-16“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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