Using Business and Sports Metaphors to Explain Sanctification
Sanctification Explained through Business and Sports Metaphors
Sanctification is a theological concept that refers to the process of being set apart for God's service and becoming more like Christ. It involves the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, carrying on the work begun in regeneration [1].
The biblical concept of sanctification is rooted in the idea of separation. In Leviticus, God commands the Israelites to sanctify their firstborn sons, setting them apart as holy to the Lord [4]. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as being sanctified in Christ Jesus [2].
To understand sanctification, various metaphors can be employed. Business metaphors, for instance, can be used to convey the idea of sanctification as a process of growth and development. Just as a business invests in its employees to increase their productivity, God invests in believers through the Holy Spirit to make them more fruitful in their faith [1].
Sports metaphors can also be used to describe the process of sanctification. The apostle Paul often used athletic imagery to convey the idea of spiritual growth and perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul compares the Christian life to a race, emphasizing the need for discipline and self-control. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul writes that he has "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith". This athletic imagery highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in the process of sanctification.
The Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, emphasizes the importance of mortifying sin in the process of sanctification. According to Henry, the doctrine of justification by faith should not lead to a licentious lifestyle, but rather to a life of obedience and holiness [5]. This understanding is in line with the Presbyterian interpretation of 1 Peter 3:15, which exhorts believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord" in their hearts [3].
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 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3:15: sanctify--hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mat 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. the Lord God--The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." and--Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. answer--an apologetic answer defending your faith. to every man that asketh you--The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, ”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 13 (introduction): THE FIRST-BORN SANCTIFIED. (Exo 13:1-2) Sanctify unto me all the first-born--To "sanctify" means to "consecrate," to "set apart" from a common to a sacred use. The foundation of this duty rested on the fact that the Israelites, having had their first-born preserved by a distinguishing act of grace from the general destruction that overtook the families of the Egyptians, were bound in token of gratitude to consider them as the Lord's peculiar property (compare Heb 12:23).”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 6:1: The apostle's transition, which joins this discourse with the former, is observable: "What shall we say then? Rom 6:1. What use shall we make of this sweet and comfortable doctrine? Shall we do evil that good may come, as some say we do? Rom 3:8. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Shall we hence take encouragement to sin with so much the more boldness, because the more sin we commit the more will the grace of God be magnified in our pardon? Is this a use to be made of it?" No, it is an abuse, and the apostle startles at the thought of it (Rom 6:2): "Go”