Sanctification results from the renewing work of the Holy Spirit and leads to the renewal of believers and their being equipped for ministry in the world.
The means of sanctification
The work of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:11 See also Romans 8:9–11, Romans 15:15–16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 3:4–7; 1 Peter 1:1–2
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Meditation on the Scriptures
1 Peter 2:2–3 See also Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 119:12–18, Psalm 119:48, Psalm 143:5–6; John 17:17; Colossians 3:16; James 1:25
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
The active pursuit of holiness and righteousness
1 Timothy 6:11–12 See also 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:9–12; 3 John 1:11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
Obedience and self-denial
Romans 6:19–22, Romans 8:5–14; Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:16–24; 1 Peter 2:11
Prayer
Psalm 145:18 See also Matthew 7:7–8; Acts 4:31; 1 Timothy 4:4; James 5:16; Jude 1:20
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.
Confession of sin
1 John 1:9 See also Nehemiah 1:6–9; Psalm 32:5, Psalm 40:11–12; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 64:5–7; Jeremiah 14:20–22; Lamentations 3:40
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Obstacles to sanctification
A lack of faith
Matthew 5:13; John 15:6; 2 Corinthians 12:20–21; 1 Timothy 1:18–19
Rebellion against God
Ezekiel 18:24 See also Deuteronomy 32:15–18; Job 34:26; Isaiah 65:11–12; Galatians 1:6–7, Galatians 5:7–9; Hebrews 12:15; Revelation 2:4–5
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
Satanic temptation
1 Peter 5:8–9 See also Acts 5:3; 2 Corinthians 2:8–11; James 4:7
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Self-indulgence and greed
Luke 12:15 See also Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Yielding to sinful desires
1 Peter 1:14 See also Mark 4:18–19; 1 Corinthians 10:6–8; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Peter 2:14–18; 1 John 2:16–17
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.
The results of sanctification
Good works
2 Corinthians 9:8 See also Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10, Colossians 3:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; Hebrews 10:24–25; James 2:14–26
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Becoming like Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:21 See also John 13:15; Romans 8:28–30; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 3:27; 1 John 3:2–3
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
Becoming like God
Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 5:1–2; Colossians 1:21–22
Perfection
Matthew 5:48 See also 2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 1:28
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.[’’]
Blamelessness in the sight of God
2 Peter 3:14 See also Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:21–22; 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace— spotless and blameless in His sight.
Being able to see God
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.