What is Sanctification?

Definition

Sanctification means being set apart for God and becoming more like Jesus. Generally we think of it in three parts: First, when someone becomes a Christian, God instantly sets them apart as holy—this is called positional sanctification. Second, throughout a Christian's life, God causes them to grow in holiness and fight against sin—this is progressive sanctification. Third, when Christians go to heaven, they become perfectly holy—this is complete sanctification. Positional sanctification is full and complete and instant when one believes. Progressive sanctification is a lifelong process as God works through the Holy Spirit to cause believers to hate sin and love righteousness. Our effort in progressive sanctification, while necessary, is because God gives them the strength and desire to grow. Every true Christian will grow in holiness because God promises to finish what He starts, but no Christian becomes perfect in this life. All believers struggle with remaining sin while slowly becoming more Christ-like. Sanctification doesn't earn salvation or contribute to salvation but flows from our salvation—it's the natural result of God saving grace.

Biblical Example

Paul explains positional sanctification when he writes "To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints. (1 Corinthians 1:2)" Despite the Corinthian church's numerous problems (divisions, immorality, doctrinal errors), Paul addresses them as already "sanctified in Christ Jesus"—positionally holy through union with Christ.

Paul explains progressive sanctification in Philippians 2:12-13: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you." Christians must work, but God provides the power.