Theological concept · kjv
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing work of becoming what you already are in Christ — the slow, steady transformation of a saved person into a holy person. It is the middle tense of salvation: we have been saved, we are being saved, we will be saved.
Biblical Foundation
The Greek word hagiazō means "to set apart" or "to make holy." In the Old Testament, objects and people were sanctified for God's use — the temple vessels, the priests, the firstborn. In the New Testament, believers are declared holy (positional sanctification) at the moment of salvation and then progressively made holy (progressive sanctification) over a lifetime. The distinction matters: we are not trying to earn God's favor by growing — we are growing into what God has already declared us to be.
How Sanctification Works in Christian Life
Sanctification happens through ordinary means of grace — Scripture, prayer, fellowship, the sacraments, suffering, and obedience. Protestant traditions emphasize that the Spirit works through the Word to reshape the believer. Catholic and Orthodox traditions emphasize the sacraments and ascetic practices. Wesleyan traditions speak of an ongoing pursuit of "entire sanctification" — perfect love for God and neighbor. Across traditions, sanctification is never a solo project: the Spirit works in the believer, in the context of the church, toward conformity to Christ.
Scripture for Sanctification
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Philippians 2:12
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
1 Peter 1:15
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
Justification is a legal declaration — God declares a sinner righteous on the basis of Christ's work, received by faith. It happens in a moment. Sanctification is the ongoing transformation of the justified person into actual holiness. Justification is about status; sanctification is about growth.
Can I be sanctified instantly?
Scripture speaks of positional sanctification (instant — you are declared holy at the moment of faith) and progressive sanctification (lifelong — you actually become more holy over time). Most Christian traditions reject claims of "sinless perfection" in this life while affirming real, measurable growth in holiness.
What role do I play in sanctification?
The classic answer: sanctification is both monergistic (God works) and synergistic (the believer cooperates). God empowers the growth; the believer pursues it through disciplines, obedience, and reliance on the Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 holds both in tension: "work out your salvation... for it is God which worketh in you."
What if I'm not growing?
Seasons of apparent stagnation are normal — growth is rarely linear. Check the basics: are you in Scripture, in prayer, in fellowship? Is there unconfessed sin dulling the Spirit? And: am I measuring growth correctly? Often what feels like stagnation is actually deeper awareness of sin, which is itself a sign of the Spirit's work.