Sanctification Process in the Christian Life Explained
The Sanctification Process in the Christian Life
The concept of sanctification is rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the process by which believers are set apart for God's service and made holy. Sanctification involves more than a moral reformation; it is the work of the Holy Spirit that continues the work begun in regeneration, extending to the whole person [1]. This process is crucial in the Christian life as it enables believers to live a life conformed to God's will.
The biblical basis for sanctification is found in various passages. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, the apostle Paul states that God's will is the sanctification of believers. The process is effected by God (Ezekiel 37:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Jude 1:1), through the atonement of Christ (Hebrews 10:10; 13:12), and facilitated by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11). Believers are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) and through the Word of God (John 17:17, 19; Ephesians 5:26) [2].
Different Christian traditions understand sanctification in various ways. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, views sanctification as a process of being made holy through the truth of God's Word. Henry notes that Jesus prayed for the sanctification of his disciples, that they might be made holy through the Word [3]. In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, highlighting that believers are sanctified through the laver of regeneration [4].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary, interprets sanctification as a process of cleansing and purification, using the metaphor of preparing a bride for a king. Clarke notes that Christ sanctifies and cleanses the Church, his bride, through the Word [5].
The Presbyterian tradition, represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, understands sanctification as part of the broader process of salvation, which includes justification and glorification. They note that believers are sanctified, or set apart, through their union with Christ [6].
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”
- 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”
- 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 (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 5:26: That he might sanctify and cleanse it - The Church is represented as the spouse of Christ, as the woman is the spouse of the man; and, to prepare this Church for himself, he washes, cleanses, and sanctifies it. There is certainly an allusion here to the ancient method of purifying women, who were appointed to be consorts to kings; twelve months, it appears, were in some instances spent in this purification: Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with other things, for the purifying of women. See the case of Esther, Est 2:12; see also Ps”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 6:11: ye are washed--The Greek middle voice expresses, "Ye have had yourselves washed." This washing implies the admission to the benefits of Christ's salvation generally; of which the parts are; (1) Sanctification, or the setting apart from the world, and adoption into the Church: so "sanctified" is used Co1 7:14; Joh 17:19. Compare Pe1 1:2, where it rather seems to mean the setting apart of one as consecrated by the Spirit in the eternal purpose God. (2) Justification from condemnation through the righteousness of God in Christ by faith (Rom 1:17). ”