“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
This verse shows that sanctification is not just a word in the Bible. It is something God wants for every believer.
Sanctification in Christianity means being made holy. It is the process where a person becomes more like Jesus Christ.
It does not happen all at once. It starts when a person believes in Jesus and continues throughout their life.
What Does Sanctification Mean?
Sanctification comes from a Latin word that means “to make holy.”
In the Bible, it means to be set apart for God’s purpose.
When someone becomes a Christian, they are no longer living for themselves.
They now belong to God and should live in a way that pleases Him.
Sanctification is not only about doing good things. It is also about having a clean heart and mind.
It changes both what we do and who we are inside.
How Does Sanctification Begin?
Sanctification starts at the moment a person believes in Jesus Christ.
This moment is called salvation.
At that time, God forgives their sins and gives them a new heart.
They are made clean in God’s eyes because of what Jesus did on the cross.
“But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
This verse shows that sanctification begins with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
The person is no longer a slave to sin. They are now free to live in a way that honors God.
Is Sanctification Instant or Ongoing?
There are two parts to sanctification.
The first part happens right when a person believes in Jesus. This is sometimes called “positional sanctification.”
It means that God sees the person as holy because they are now in Christ.
The second part happens over time. This is called “progressive sanctification.”
It means the believer grows in their faith and becomes more like Jesus.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
This kind of growth does not happen in one day.
It happens little by little, as the person follows God.
What Helps a Person Grow in Sanctification?
The Bible is one of the most helpful tools for sanctification.
Reading God’s Word helps a person know what is right and wrong.
It also shows us how Jesus lived, so we can follow His example.
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
Prayer is another part of growing in sanctification.
When we pray, we talk to God and ask Him to help us live the way He wants. Being part of a church also helps.
Other believers can teach, correct, and encourage us. The Holy Spirit also plays a strong role.
He lives in every believer and gives them strength to say no to sin.
What Is the Goal of Sanctification?
The goal of sanctification is to become more like Jesus.
Jesus lived a life without sin. He showed love, patience, and kindness.
Christians want to live that way too.
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).
The final part of sanctification will happen in heaven.
At that time, Christians will be completely free from sin.
They will live forever with God in holiness.
That is the hope every believer has in Jesus Christ.
Why Does Sanctification Matter?
Sanctification shows that a person truly belongs to God.
It is not about being perfect, but about growing closer to God every day.
It shows others that Jesus is real and that He changes lives.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
When people see the change in a Christian’s life, they may want to know more about God.
So sanctification is not just about personal growth. It is also about showing God’s love to the world.