Training for a Holy Life: Sanctification as Marathon Training
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy and conformed to the image of Christ, involving a separation to God's service [2]. It is more than a mere moral reformation; it is a work of the Holy Spirit that brings the entire being under the influence of the new principles implanted during regeneration [1]. This process extends to the "whole man" [1], encompassing the believer's spirit, soul, and body [1 Thessalonians 5:23].
The concept of sanctification is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. Jesus prayed for his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth" [John 17:17, 11]. This highlights the instrumental role of God's Word in the sanctification process [2, 3]. The apostle Paul also emphasizes that believers are "sanctified through the word of God and prayer" [1 Timothy 4:5, 3]. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in carrying out this work [1, 2], renewing and cleansing the soul [Titus 3:5, 8].
Sanctification is a progressive work, "carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration" [1, 4]. It involves a continuous separation from sin and dedication to God [2]. Matthew Henry notes that while disciples were already sanctified, Jesus prayed for their continued sanctification, implying a confirmation and deepening of this work [6]. This ongoing process is also described as "training of the saints as servants in the church, for the building up of the body of Christ" [Ephesians 4:12, 2].
The analogy of training, particularly physical training, is used in scripture to describe the effort involved in pursuing godliness. Paul writes about the benefits of "physical training" in comparison to "godliness," which holds promise for both the present and future life [1 Timothy 4:8, 14]. This pursuit of godliness involves self-denial, abstaining from worldly lusts, and mortifying sinful desires [5]. Matthew Henry, commenting on Hebrews 12:1, encourages believers to "lay aside every weight, and the sin that did so easily beset them, and run with patience the race set before them" [7]. This "race" requires shedding "all inordinate affection and concern for the body, and the present life and world" [7].
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 Timothy “1 Timothy 4:5 (NASB) — for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Perfection — See [467]SANCTIFICATION.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 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”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12:1: Here observe what is the great duty which the apostle urges upon the Hebrews, and which he so much desires they would comply with, and that is, to lay aside every weight, and the sin that did so easily beset them, and run with patience the race set before them. The duty consists of two parts, the one preparatory, the other perfective. I. Preparatory: Lay aside every weight, and the sin, etc. 1. Every weight, that is, all inordinate affection and concern for the body, and the present life and world. Inordinate care for the present life, or fondness for it, is a de”