Sanctification is the process by which God sets us apart for His righteous purpose. In the Bible, “sanctify” means “to set aside for special use.” Sanctification is both a commandment and a gift from God. It is a commandment because we are commanded to be holy (1 Peter 1:16). It is a gift because it is something that God gives us (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Also, sanctification is a work of grace God does in us and through us. It is not something that we can do with our strength. The blood cleanses us of Christ (Hebrews 10:29). This means that the penalty for our past sins has been paid, and we have been made clean and pure. We are also sanctified by the Spirit of God (1 Peter 1:2). This means the stain or influence of sin has been removed from our lives.
The grace of Christ is what enables us to be sanctified. It is a gift that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). To receive this gift, we must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). We must also receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4) and keep our covenants (Deuteronomy 29:9). Indeed, sanctification is a lifelong process. It is not something that happens instantaneously. We must continue to strive to become more like Jesus Christ every day.
How Does the Holy Spirit Sanctify Us?
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead who helps us become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He teaches us how to be better people and how to follow Jesus Christ’s example. He can sanctify and set us apart from the world by helping us make righteous choices.
When we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we avoid sin and choose instead to do what is right. Obedience to the commandments of God invites the Holy Spirit into our lives, and His power sanctifies us. The Holy Spirit also teaches us the truth. As we study the gospel and apply its principles to our lives, we become more like Jesus Christ. The Spirit also comforts us. He can help calm our fears, give us hope, and fill us with peace as we repent, receive saving ordinances such as baptism, and keep covenants such as temple marriage.
Because the Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead, His power is infinite. He can sanctify us completely if we allow Him to do so. And since our goal on this mortal journey is to become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, He will help us achieve that if we yield to His promptings and submit to His power.
Do Catholics Believe in Sanctification?
Sanctification is “an ongoing process of change,” as defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 2013). Justification is “the forgiveness of sins and an inflow of sanctifying grace, making one just and holy” (CCC, 2013). Sanctification is a supernatural work of God’s grace whereby we are transformed into the image of Christ. It is a gift from God given to us in baptism and continued throughout our lives as we respond to God’s grace. The purpose of sanctification is our transformation into Christ-likeness so we may better love and serve God and others. The means of sanctification include prayer, sacraments, teachings of the Church, and works of mercy. As we grow in holiness through these means, we become more like Christ and can better fulfill our role as His disciples in the world.
What is God’s Purpose for Sanctification?
Many people wonder about God’s purpose for sanctification. The simple answer is to cleanse believers from their sinful nature. Sanctification is the process by which a person is cleansed from their sinful nature and made holy. It is important to the Christian journey and something God requires of His people. To be sanctified, a person must first be saved by grace and reconciled to God. Once they have been saved, they can begin the sanctification process. This process involves growing in one’s relationship with God and learning to obey His commands. It is a lifelong journey, and it is not always easy. However, it is essential for those who want to follow God and live in His will.
How Do You Sanctify God’s Name?
One way to sanctify God’s name is to begin your prayer by praising, worshiping, and thanking Him for His greatness. Also, pray that His name becomes more revered in the world. By doing so, you are acknowledging His power and might and giving thanks for all He has done. Furthermore, you ask that all people hold His name in high esteem. This act of sanctifying God’s name is a way to show your respect and love for Him. It is an act of obedience, as we are called to reverence His name above all things. When we sanctify God’s name, we are aligning our hearts with His and making Him our priority.
How Do You Live a Sanctified Life?
A sanctified life is set apart for God’s purposes. It is a life of holiness and purity, free from the pollution of sin. Living a sanctified life requires repentance of our sins and turning to God with a sincere desire to change. We must then strive to obey His commandments and follow His will in all things. This includes living a moral and upright life, being honest in our dealings with others, and showing love and compassion towards those around us. It also means setting aside time for prayer and study to grow closer to God and better understand His will for us. Living a sanctified life is not always easy, but it is the only way to find true happiness and peace in this life. Sanctification is a continuing process in which we repent of our sins and follow Jesus Christ. As we do these things, we slowly become more like Him and can better resist temptation and overcome the world.
What Does Entire Sanctification Mean?
Entire sanctification does not mean achieving sinless perfection that is impossible for human beings as long as we live in mortal bodies. Rather, it is a work of God’s grace that cleanses us from our sins and enables us to live lives of obedience to God. It is a divine infilling that equips us for service to God and others.
The doctrine of entire sanctification is based on several key passages of Scripture, including 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, which says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse makes it clear that sanctification is something that happens to us; it is not something we do ourselves. It is also a work of God that is threefold in its scope, affecting our entire being.
The word “entire” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 is the Greek term holos, which we get our English word “whole” from. So when we speak of entire sanctification, we’re referring to a work of grace that makes us whole: Spirit, soul, and body.
Who Believes in the Entire Sanctification?
The concept of entire sanctification has been around for centuries. It was popularized in the early 19th century by John Wesley and the Methodist movement. Wesley believed that sanctification was a second work of grace that followed conversion and that it was a necessary step for Christians to take to be fully sanctified. Today, the doctrine of entire sanctification is still held by many Holiness Pentecostals, who believe it is the final work of grace that Christians receive. While there is some debate within the Pentecostal movement as to whether or not entire sanctification is a separate work of grace or simply a continuation of the work of conversion, most Pentecostals agree that it is a necessary part of the Christian life.
Conclusion
The doctrine of sanctification is essential to understanding how we become more like Christ. As we develop our relationship with God, we are sanctified by His Spirit and enabled to cleanse the sins that easily entangle us to death. This process is not automatic or immediate. It is a lifelong journey that requires our continued effort and dependence on God. But as we strive to be more Christlike in our thoughts, words, and actions, we are transformed into His image and given the hope that one day we will live with Him in perfect righteousness. Because of sanctification, we can have confidence that, despite our weaknesses, we have been made new creations in Christ who will one day be perfect like Him.
