Sanctification, or in its verb form, sanctify, literally means "to set apart for special use or purpose", that is, to make holy or sacred (compare Latin: sanctus). This word is in description of one who has heard and received the gospel of the grace of God. In believing the message of the gospel, one is saved, and in that moment is set apart as sanctified, having been clothed with Christ's garment of righteousness. Therefore, sanctification refers to the state or process of being set apart, i.e. "made holy", as a vessel, full of the Spirit of Christ. But note that there is more to sanctification than this incredibly gracious gift of God. Read on to also learn about practical sanctification.
1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some [oversee] that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose [goal, aim] of the commandment [is that the result of teaching correct doctrine] is love [which comes] from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed [from love], have turned aside to idle talk [foolish, unproven or irrelevant talk and human philosophy], 7 desiring to be teachers of the law [Outdated! Not applicable anymore in this time of grace], understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm [uphold, approve – doing it for their own gain, not out of love for the Body].
The above passage provides some insights into 'sanctification'. Let's explore this word and take note that sanctification is a two-fold truth.
First, our sanctification (being made pure, being set apart) is our secure, and true standing before God, "in Christ". This is our positional sanctification … "being in Christ". So, every true believer in Christ has already been sanctified, or made pure to God, by the work of Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit the moment we were saved.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
1 Corinthians 6:11 ...and such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Secondly, we express practical sanctification in our daily walk as Christians, learning and living the Word, trusting Christ as He leads us on a path towards ever increasing purity; dying to ourselves and giving ourselves over to love and service in the Body. Unlike positional sanctification of our spirit, this practical sanctification is a daily progressive process, maintained by a close relationship and submission to His indwelling Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 ... 7 For God did not call us unto uncleanness [impurity], but unto holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
There is a quote I read that goes as follows: "The Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance!" With this said, practical sanctification will increase by the measure that you prayerfully study, meditate and practice God's Word.
Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
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