What is Sanctification ?
Sanctification in the Bible
Biblical Definition of Sanctification:
In the Bible, sanctification refers to the process of being set apart or consecrated for God's holy purposes. It involves the transformation of a believer's character and conduct to reflect the righteousness and purity of God. The term "sanctification" is derived from the Greek word "hagiasmos," which means holiness or separation from sin. Throughout the Scriptures, sanctification is presented as an ongoing and progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Biblical Basis for Sanctification:
1 Thessalonians 4:3: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality." This verse highlights sanctification as God's desire for every believer, leading to a life separated from sinful behaviors.
2 Corinthians 7:1: "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." Here, sanctification is portrayed as an ongoing process of cleansing and growing in holiness.
Hebrews 12:14: "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." This verse emphasizes the necessity of sanctification for experiencing a deep relationship with God.
Perspectives of Great Theologians on Sanctification:
1. Augustine of Hippo: Augustine, one of the early church fathers, viewed sanctification as the work of God's grace in transforming a believer's heart. He believed that through divine grace, believers are enabled to resist sin and live in obedience to God's commands.
2. John Calvin: Calvin, a prominent figure of the Protestant Reformation, stressed the concept of "definitive sanctification" in which believers are once and for all declared holy and righteous through faith in Christ's atoning work. Additionally, he emphasized "progressive sanctification," the ongoing process of believers growing in holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jonathan Edwards: Edwards, a key figure in the First Great Awakening, focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. He believed that the Holy Spirit illuminates the hearts of believers, leading them to love and pursue God more fervently, resulting in greater sanctification.
4. John Wesley: Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught the concept of "Christian perfection" or "entire sanctification." He believed that through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers could experience a deeper level of sanctification, being entirely dedicated to God and freed from the power of sin.
5. Charles Spurgeon: Spurgeon, a renowned preacher of the 19th century, emphasized the importance of sanctification as an evidence of true conversion. He viewed sanctification as a continuous process of growing in Christlikeness and holiness.
2. John Calvin: Calvin, a prominent figure of the Protestant Reformation, stressed the concept of "definitive sanctification" in which believers are once and for all declared holy and righteous through faith in Christ's atoning work. Additionally, he emphasized "progressive sanctification," the ongoing process of believers growing in holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jonathan Edwards: Edwards, a key figure in the First Great Awakening, focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. He believed that the Holy Spirit illuminates the hearts of believers, leading them to love and pursue God more fervently, resulting in greater sanctification.
4. John Wesley: Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught the concept of "Christian perfection" or "entire sanctification." He believed that through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers could experience a deeper level of sanctification, being entirely dedicated to God and freed from the power of sin.
5. Charles Spurgeon: Spurgeon, a renowned preacher of the 19th century, emphasized the importance of sanctification as an evidence of true conversion. He viewed sanctification as a continuous process of growing in Christlikeness and holiness.
Conclusion:
According to the Bible and the perspectives of great theologians, sanctification is the transformative process by which believers are set apart for God's holy purposes and conformed to the image of Christ. It involves both the initial declaration of holiness through faith in Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, leading to progressive growth in holiness. Sanctification is not merely an external change but a profound inward transformation that enables believers to live in obedience to God's will and reflect His character to the world.
Please check our article on Mastering Sanctification Living.
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