Sanctify, Sanctification

<<make holy>>

Anything or person set apart or dedicated for a special purpose by God or mankind, becomes sacred or holy in that function.

Jesus was set apart for a special role in God’s purposes so that we too might be set apart for God’s use (Jn 17:19). All believers are sanctified by Christ – His blood, the Spirit and the Word are the tools used (Jn 17:17; Rom 15:16; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Thes 2:13; Heb 13:12; 1 Pet 1:2). This leads to an inward transformation resulting in purity and moral correctness and in an outward life of goodness.

After the new birth Gods’ ongoing work in believers is refining their moral character to conform it to His recognition of us as justified (without sin because justice has been done) in His sight. Justification is deliverance from the penalty of sin while sanctification is deliverance from the pollution and power of sin. Sanctification takes place through the grace of God when the Spirit and the believer each contribute towards the goal with this process continuing from salvation until we get to eternity.

It is important for every Christian to know God called us to be set apart from the ways, thoughts and attitudes of the world. We are to live our lives in such a way others see and know we are not moulded by the world; set apart from the world and unto God (Rom 12:1,2). It is God’s will that we are holy and conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29; 1 Thes 4:3,4).

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring this about but also our duty to turn from what defiles and present ourselves to Him so we grow in righteousness (Rom 5:9,15:6; 2 Cor 6:17,18; Col 3:1-10; 2 Tim 2:21; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). This inner purifying work by the Holy Spirit involves consecration and co-operation by the believer to become holy. God is Holy

Do I know what I was ‘set apart’ for? Am I increasingly devoted to it?

and He requires we are too, by allowing the ongoing work of regeneration in all areas of our lives. Although complete sanctification is not possible on earth, we should be aiming for it (1 Kgs 8:46; Rom 6:13; 1 Cor 6:19; Phil 1:6; Jas 3:2; 1 Pet 1:15,16; 1 Jn 1:8).

This is normally a progressive experience although sometimes believers have received instant relief from sinful habits and practices. The Bible describes the intensity of the struggle with sin, but also the necessity to be holy (Rom 7:7-8:14; Gal 5:16-21; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Tim 1:15; Heb 12:4,14). Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians was “May God…sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless” (1 Thes 5:23,24).