gen-what-is-sanctification-and-how-does-scripture-describe-it-5dbc

What is sanctification and how does Scripture describe it?

# Sanctification: Being Set Apart and Made Holy ## Definition Sanctification means being "set apart" for God's purposes and progressively transformed into Christlikeness. It has both a positional aspect (you *are* holy in Christ) and a progressive aspect (you *are being* made holy). ## Biblical Description **Positional/Definitive Sanctification:** - Believers are already "sanctified in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:2) - We "have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 10:10) - Set apart as God's possession at conversion **Progressive Sanctification:** - "Being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18) - "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you" (Philippians 2:12-13) - Requires putting off the old self and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) ## Key Elements **God's work:** The Spirit sanctifies us (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:13) **Our participation:** We actively pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14), renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2), and discipline ourselves **The means:** God's Word (John 17:17), suffering (Romans 5:3-5), community (Hebrews 10:24-25) **The goal:** Conformity to Christ's image (Romans 8:29), preparation for God's presence (Hebrews 12:14) It's a lifelong journey, completed only at glorification.