QUESTION:
WHAT IS SANCTIFICATION?
ANSWER:
Sanctification is the divine process by which believers are set apart and transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Sanctification is the divine process by which believers are set apart and transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It begins at salvation and continues throughout a believer’s life, culminating in ultimate glorification. This journey is not one of self-effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, requiring daily surrender and cooperation with God’s will.
Understanding Sanctification
Sanctification encompasses three distinct yet interconnected phases: positional, progressive, and perfected sanctification.
1. Positional Sanctification: Our Standing in Christ
At the moment of salvation, believers are sanctified positionally. This means they are set apart for God’s purposes, declared holy through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a one-time act that changes our spiritual status before God.
“By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” — Hebrews 10:10
This sanctification is not based on our actions but on Christ’s finished work on the cross. Believers are now identified as saints, belonging wholly to God.
2. Progressive Sanctification: The Daily Transformation
While positional sanctification sets our status, progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in character and conduct. It’s a lifelong journey of growth, where the Holy Spirit works within us to produce holiness.
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:13
This transformation involves daily decisions to yield to the Spirit, allowing Him to mold our thoughts, actions, and desires. It’s not about striving in our strength but about surrendering to God’s power working in us.
3. Perfected Sanctification: The Future Glory
The final phase, perfected sanctification, will occur when believers are glorified in heaven. At this point, we will be completely free from sin and fully conformed to the image of Christ.
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14
This ultimate sanctification is the fulfillment of God’s promise, where our transformation is complete, and we dwell eternally in His presence.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
Sanctification is not a self-driven endeavor; it’s the work of the Holy Spirit within us. He convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and empowers us to live righteously. It is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. He opposes the desires of the flesh and leads the believer toward righteousness and holy living.
By walking in the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will, allowing Him to produce the fruit of holiness in our lives. It’s a daily choice to submit to His leading and resist the desires of the flesh.
Total Surrender: The Key to Sanctification
True sanctification requires total surrender to God. It’s about relinquishing control and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform every aspect of our lives.
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” — Romans 12:1
This surrender is not a one-time event but a continual posture of the heart, choosing daily to follow Christ and forsake sin.
What If I Fall Along The Way?
Even as we pursue sanctification, we may stumble. But when I fall, I don’t need to break my leg—I just need to admit my mistake. It takes humility to confess our sins, but God is always ready to restore.
King David’s repentance in Psalm 51 offers a powerful model for returning to God after failure:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
David didn’t hide or excuse his sin. He brought it before the Lord with a broken and contrite heart. In the same way, when we come to God sincerely, He does not turn us away.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Just remember this truth: there is no other way to go except God. Our only options are to go back to Him or run away from Him—and we certainly don’t want to run away. This author’s prayer, whenever he falls into sin, is always:
“Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
Sanctification is not about achieving perfection; it’s about remaining in close relationship with the Perfect One. And even when we fall, God is merciful to forgive, refresh, restore, and revive us—so we can continue walking with Him in grace and truth.
Conclusion
Sanctification is the divine process of being set apart and transformed into the image of Christ. It begins at salvation, continues through daily surrender and obedience, and culminates in eternal glory. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk in holiness, trusting God’s grace to complete the work He has begun in us.
