Sanctification. There's another one of those words that Christians litter throughout their prayers and speeches, often without understanding the implications of what they're saying, or misunderstanding the true definition. I know I have. If we unpack this doctrine and boil down the basic questions, we'll be more edified and more equipped to share the gospel.
What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is, quite simply, the process of becoming more holy, or more like Christ. Once you become a Christian, you step onto the winding road of sanctification, in which you're in for a wild ride. You follow this road your entire life, and as you grow in your faith, you're molded more into the likeness of Christ and you become a more mature Christian.
Does the Bible Talk About Sanctification?
The quick answer: 100% yes! Now, for the longer answer: The English Standard Version contains no less than 16 references to sanctification (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 21:8; 2 Kings 10:20; Isaiah 29:23; Isaiah 66:17; John 17:17; Romans 6:19; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 9:13; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2). A verse that I think sums up this doctrine beautifully is Hebrews 13:12: "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood." Jesus' blood made it so that we might become more like him, more righteous and more holy. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 also adds to the biblical definition: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Only God can grant us sanctification. We can't become more like Christ on our own. We're helpless without the "God of peace himself." Only he can mold us more into the image of his Son and give us complete sanctification.
When Does Sanctification End?
The simple answer? When we die. Romans 6:22 says, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." From this verse we learn that the end of sanctification is eternal life, i.e. heaven, where the true believers go after they die. Sanctification is a life-long process. Unfortunately, in this world of instant coffee, microwave meals, and I-want-what-I-want-and-I-want-it-now attitude, sanctification doesn't seem too cool. That's because it wouldn't to this sinful world. Christ is offensive to them. So if you're becoming more like Christ, you'll definitely be offensive to this world. But thank goodness that the world is not who we're trying to please. Amen?
What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is, quite simply, the process of becoming more holy, or more like Christ. Once you become a Christian, you step onto the winding road of sanctification, in which you're in for a wild ride. You follow this road your entire life, and as you grow in your faith, you're molded more into the likeness of Christ and you become a more mature Christian.
Does the Bible Talk About Sanctification?
The quick answer: 100% yes! Now, for the longer answer: The English Standard Version contains no less than 16 references to sanctification (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 21:8; 2 Kings 10:20; Isaiah 29:23; Isaiah 66:17; John 17:17; Romans 6:19; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 9:13; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2). A verse that I think sums up this doctrine beautifully is Hebrews 13:12: "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood." Jesus' blood made it so that we might become more like him, more righteous and more holy. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 also adds to the biblical definition: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Only God can grant us sanctification. We can't become more like Christ on our own. We're helpless without the "God of peace himself." Only he can mold us more into the image of his Son and give us complete sanctification.
When Does Sanctification End?
The simple answer? When we die. Romans 6:22 says, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." From this verse we learn that the end of sanctification is eternal life, i.e. heaven, where the true believers go after they die. Sanctification is a life-long process. Unfortunately, in this world of instant coffee, microwave meals, and I-want-what-I-want-and-I-want-it-now attitude, sanctification doesn't seem too cool. That's because it wouldn't to this sinful world. Christ is offensive to them. So if you're becoming more like Christ, you'll definitely be offensive to this world. But thank goodness that the world is not who we're trying to please. Amen?
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:3