What is sanctification?

The Meaning of the Word

The word "sanctification" comes from the Latin sanctificare — to make holy. In Scripture, to sanctify something means to set it apart for God's purposes. Applied to believers, sanctification refers to the ongoing process of being made holy — being transformed into Christlikeness by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Three Dimensions of Sanctification

Positional (definitive) sanctification — At the moment of salvation, believers are declared holy in Christ. "You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus" (1 Corinthians 6:11). This is complete and unchanging.

Progressive sanctification — The daily, ongoing work of the Spirit in the believer's life, conforming them more and more to the image of Christ. This involves both divine work and human cooperation (Philippians 2:12–13).

Glorification — The final, complete sanctification that occurs at the resurrection, when believers are fully conformed to Christ's likeness (1 John 3:2).

The Role of the Believer

Sanctification is not passive. Paul says "work out your salvation with fear and trembling — for it is God who works in you" (Philippians 2:12–13). Both truths are held together: God is the source of transformation, and we are responsible to pursue holiness through disciplines, choices, and obedience.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." — Philippians 2:13

Practical Means of Sanctification

God uses ordinary means to grow his people:

• Scripture — "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17)
• Prayer and communion with God
• The local church — community, accountability, preaching, sacraments
• Suffering — trials refine character (James 1:2–4)