07/06/2026
Sanctification
1. What is sanctification.
Sanctification means to be set apart and made holy by God.
The word literally means "to be made holy/set apart for God's use." It’s a core doctrine of Jesus Christ.
3 ways the Bible describes it:
1. Your position: Set apart the moment you believe.
This is called "positional sanctification". God declares you holy because of Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 1:2- _“To the church of God... to those sanctified in Christ Jesus”_
- Hebrews 10:10 - _“we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”_
→ The moment you trust Christ, God sets you apart as His.
*2. Your process: Becoming more like Jesus daily*
This is "progressive sanctification". The Holy Spirit changes your character over time.
- *1 Thessalonians 4:3* - _“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality”_
- *2 Corinthians 3:18* - _“we... are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”_
- *John 17:17* - Jesus prays: _“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth”_
→ God uses His Word + trials + obedience to make you more like Christ.
*3. Your future: Made completely holy*
One day sin will be gone for good.
- *1 Thessalonians 5:23* - _“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely... and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless”_
- *1 John 3:2* - _“when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is”_
*Quick picture*:
Justification = God declares you “not guilty”
Sanctification = God makes you actually “not sinful” over time
Glorification = God makes you perfectly holy forever
So sanctification isn’t you trying harder to be good. It’s God’s work in you. Your part is surrender + obeying His Word + relying on the Spirit Gal 5:16.