Sanctification (ABC-1904)

Definition of the Word

Sanctification - Grk. HAGIASMOS, the state or condition of being set apart; being or becoming holy or sanctified

from Grk. HAGIOS (adj.) - holy, one that is set apart for the purpose of God

same as sanctified, sacred, consecrated, dedicated to God

Grk. HAGIAZO (adj.) - to make holy, sanctify, to set apart

Purpose of Sanctification

God desires sanctification for us

Ephesians 1.4

God wants to reflect His holiness in His people and possessions

Israel nation - Leviticus 11.44-45

Sanctification prepares for service

Aaron and sins were sanctified for the priesthood - Exodus 28.41

the altar is sanctified before it is used - Exodus 29.36-37

the offering of the Gentiles - Romans 15.16

The Means of Sanctification

In the Old Testament

a simple declaration of God -

Genesis 2.3 - God sanctified the seventh day

Numbers 3.13 - God sanctified the firstborn for Himself

Certain rituals

Exodus 19.10-11, 14 - the people of Israel, at Mount Sinai

Leviticus 8.14-15 - the altar, for the sin offering

In the New Testament

some things are sanctified by prayer

1 Timothy 4.5

some are sanctified by persons

1 Corinthians 7.14

In Connection with Salvation

Sanctification is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Hebrews 10.10

Hebrews 9.13-14

Hebrews 13.12

Sanctification such as desired by God in His church is only possible because the precious blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross is powerful enough to cleans the sinner and prepare his life for service.

Sanctification is worked by the Holy Spirit

1 Peter 1.2

2 Thessalonians 2.13

The Holy Spirit is the life that has been released when the blood of Jesus was shed at Calvary,

Sanctification is applied by means of the Word

Ephesians 5.25-26

John 17.17

Aspects of Sanctification

Positional Sanctification

Positional sanctification means the believer is identified as a person set apart and belonging to God.

1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV

2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

sanctified in Christ

called saints (holy, sanctified)

Hebrews 10.10, 14 - Christ’s work on the places the believer in a position where there is no more need for repetitive cleansing of sin.

Positional sanctification took place in the moment of believing, just like justification

Note - While justification imputes the righteousness of God, sanctification imparts the holiness of God.

Positional sanctification can also be called “initial sanctification”, and is a component of new birth experience.

Progressive Sanctification

Progressive sanctification means the “saint” now must grow in the Christian life by aspiring to live holy for God.

1 Peter 1:14–16 NKJV

14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Progressive sanctification is the normal Christian life - a life separate from the world of sin.

1 Thessalonians 4.3-5

Progressive sanctification is moving away from the world. (negative movement)

2 Corinthians 6.14-18

Progressive sanctification is moving towards perfect sanctification. (positive movement)

2 Corinthians 7.1

“perfecting holiness” - completing sanctification

perfection is required - Matthew 5.48

perfection is not sinlessness, but maturity, wholeness, completion.

1 Corinthians 5.9-13

Perfect Sanctification

Perfect Sanctification is also called

Christian perfection

Entire Sanctification

Perfect Sanctification means the saint/Christian has attained a life that is wholly (all parts being) consecrated to, and full of love for God and men.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

sanctify completely in spirit, soul and body

Perfect Sanctification is the goal of the Christian life on earth

2 Corinthians 7.1 - "let us...”

Hebrews 12.14 - “Pursue…holiness...”

Perfect Sanctification is God’s work

1 Peter 5.10 - God will perfect you…

1 Thessalonians 5.23 - God will sanctify you completely

Ephesians 5.25-26 - Christ will present the Church to Himself holy and without blame…

Perfect Sanctification can be accomplished when we allow God to do His work by yielding to the move of the Holy Spirit and giving oneself entirely to the Word of God.

Romans 6.19 - when we yield our members to righteousness, the result is holiness

Ephesians 4.13 - when we allow to work through the 5-fold ministry

Colossians 1.28 - we preach Him, warning every man

Colossians 4.12 - Epaphras - laboring fervently in prayer

James 1.4 - when we allow trials to mold our character

James 2.22 - when we practice our faith in obedience

2 Timothy 2.20-21 - when we cleanse ourselves from things that dishonor God

Perfect Sanctification is the ideal condition of one who awaits the coming of the Lord.

Hebrews 12.14 - without holiness we shall not see the Lord

1 Thessalonians 5.23 - our spirit, soul and body should be preserved blameless until Jesus comes.

Conclusion

Sanctification is a continuing work of God in us through the Holy Spirit, which began in the new birth experience, in order to bring the believer to perfection or spiritual maturity, making him useful in the kingdom of God and preserved unto the coming of the Lord.