Sanctification is
the process by which
a believer is set apart for God
and progressively made holy
in character and conduct.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit
in the life of a Christian
that leads to greater Christlikeness.
¶ Biblical Understanding of Sanctification
The word “sanctification” comes from the same root as “holy” and “saint.” To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s purposes and to be made more like Him in purity and righteousness.
Sanctification begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout the believer’s life. It is both a position we receive in Christ and a process we grow in as we walk with God.
While justification is a one-time act (we are declared righteous), sanctification is ongoing. It is the process of becoming in practice what we already are in position.
Sanctification can be understood in three main ways:
- Positional Sanctification — At the moment we trust Christ, we are set apart (sanctified) and declared holy in God’s sight. This is a completed work.
- Progressive Sanctification — This is the ongoing process of growing in holiness, putting off sin, and putting on righteousness. It involves both the work of the Holy Spirit and our cooperation through faith and obedience.
- Ultimate Sanctification — This will be completed when we are glorified at the return of Christ. We will then be perfectly holy in body and soul.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 — 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.
- Hebrews 10:14 — For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 — But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
- Philippians 2:12-13 — Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
- John 17:17 — Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Understanding sanctification has important implications for the Christian life:
- It reminds us that growth in holiness is God’s will for every believer.
- It shows that sanctification is both God’s work and our responsibility — we are to “work out” what God is “working in.”
- It encourages us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit through obedience, prayer, and time in God’s Word.
- It gives us hope — even though we are not yet perfect, God is faithfully sanctifying us.
- It motivates us to pursue holiness actively rather than remaining complacent.
- It helps us understand that sanctification is progressive — we grow over time, not instantly.
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus. It is not about earning salvation, but about living out the new life we have received in Christ.