Role of Spiritual Disciplines in Christian Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, a work initiated by God and carried out by the Holy Spirit, leading to a transformation of character and conduct [1, 2]. It involves more than mere moral reformation; it is the Spirit bringing the entire person under the influence of new, gracious principles implanted during regeneration [1]. This process extends to the whole individual, encompassing the mind, will, and affections [1, 3].
The concept of sanctification is deeply rooted in biblical texts. For instance, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" [3]. John 17:17 emphasizes the role of God's word in this process: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" [2, 7]. This suggests that engagement with divine truth is a primary means by which believers are set apart and made holy [7]. The Apostle Paul also highlights the Holy Spirit's role, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:11, where he writes, "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" [1, 2].
Spiritual disciplines serve as practical means through which believers cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the ongoing work of sanctification. While internal sanctification is ultimately God's work, external sanctification, which manifests in holy living, arises from this internal change [3, 6]. These disciplines are not a means to earn salvation or God's favor, but rather channels through which God's grace transforms the individual.
One key aspect of sanctification is separation to the service of God [2, 6]. This involves abstaining from impious and idolatrous practices and separating oneself from those who engage in them [6]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, viewed sanctification as a "Laver, the Purification," reminding believers of their past uncleanness from which God's loving-kindness freed them [4]. This perspective underscores that sanctification is not achieved by one's own good deeds but by God's grace [4].
The role of Christ is central to sanctification. He is presented as the one through whom sanctification is effected [2]. Hebrews 13:12 states, "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood" [2]. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 1:30 identifies Christ as having been made "sanctification" to believers by God [2]. This means that believers are sanctified "in Christ" [2].
Sanctification is also understood as a progressive work. While all saints are considered to be in a state of sanctification (Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Corinthians 6:11), the process is ongoing and aims for perfection [1, 5]. John Gill notes that "the best of saints are imperfect" and that the ministry of the word is designed for "the perfecting of every particular saint" [5]. This ongoing nature implies a continuous engagement with spiritual practices that foster growth in holiness.
The outcome of sanctification should be the mortification of sin [2]. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 suggests, God's will for believers' sanctification includes abstaining from sexual immorality and learning to control one's own body in holiness and honor [2]. This practical outworking of holiness is a testament to the Spirit's work within the believer. The goal is for the Church to be made glorious through sanctification, "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:26-27) [2].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sanctification — Is separation to the service of God -- Ps 4:3; 2Co 6:17. Effected by God. -- Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1:1. Christ. -- Heb 2:11; 13:12. The Holy Spirit. -- Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11. In Christ -- 1Co 1:2. Through the atonement of Christ -- Heb 10:10; 13:12. Through the word of God -- Joh 17:17,19; Eph 5:26. Christ made, of God, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Saints elected to salvation through -- 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2. All saints are in a state of -- Ac 20:32; 26:18; 1Co 6:11. The Church made glorious by -- Eph 5:26,27. Should lead to Mortification of sin. -- 1Th 4:3,4. Ho”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: names of men he findeth no place for. But what is Sanctification? The Laver, the Purification. For he reminds them of their own uncleanness, from which he had freed them; and so persuades them to lowliness of mind; for not by their own good deeds, but by the loving-kindness of God, had they been sanctified. “Called to be Saints.” For even this, to be saved by faith, is not saith he, of yourselves; for ye did not first draw near, but were called; so that not even this small matter is yours altogether. However, though you had drawn near, accountabl”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:12: For the perfecting of the saints, The chosen ones, whom God has sanctified or set apart for himself in eternal election: the ministry of the word is designed for the completing the number of these in the effectual calling; and for the perfecting of the whole body of the church, by gathering in all that belong to it, and of every particular saint, who is regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God: for the best of saints are imperfect; for though there is a perfection in them, as that designs sincerity, in opposition to hypocrisy, and as it may be taken comparat”
- Leviticus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Leviticus 20:7: Sanctify yourselves therefore,.... By abstaining from such impious and idolatrous practices, and separating themselves from all that gave into them, as well as by observing the holy commandments of the Lord; otherwise internal sanctification is not the work of man, but of the Lord himself, as in Lev 20:8, and be ye holy; or a separate people from all others in worship and conversation: for I am the Lord your God; who is a holy God, and therefore it became them to be holy, in imitation of him, Lev 19:2.”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 17:17: The next thing he prayed for for them was that they might be sanctified; not only kept from evil, but made good. I. Here is the petition (Joh 17:17): Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth; it is true - it is truth itself. He desires they may be sanctified, 1. As Christians. Father, make them holy, and this will be their preservation, Th1 5:23. Observe here, (1.) The grace desired - sanctification. The disciples were sanctified, for they were not of the world; yet he prays, Father sanctify them, that is, [1.] "Confirm the work of s”