The process of renewal and consecration by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is the consequence of justification and is dependent upon a person being in a right relationship with God.
Sanctification is grounded in the holiness of God
God is holy
Ezekiel 39:7 See also Leviticus 22:32; Joshua 24:19; Psalm 30:4; Hosea 11:9; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 6:10
So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
God demands that his people should reflect his holiness
Leviticus 19:2 See also Leviticus 11:44–45, Leviticus 20:7–8; Hebrews 2:11; 1 Peter 1:15–16
“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
Sanctification is the will of God for his people
1 Thessalonians 4:3 See also Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:1–2
For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality;
The basis for sanctification
God's election of his people
1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:4–11; 1 Thessalonians 5:9
The atoning death of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 13:12 See also Romans 6:11, Romans 7:4, Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:25–27; Hebrews 10:10–14; 1 Peter 2:5
And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.
The grace of God
Luke 1:69–75; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 12:10
The work of the Holy Spirit
Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2
The word of God
John 17:17; Ephesians 5:25–26; 2 Timothy 3:16
The need for sanctification
The universal sinfulness of humanity
Isaiah 64:6 See also Job 15:14–15; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12–19; Ephesians 2:3
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
Enslavement to evil can only be broken through the death of Jesus Christ
John 8:34–36 See also Romans 6:16–18, Romans 8:5–7; Ephesians 4:17–24
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
The need for renewal and growth
2 Peter 3:18 See also Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–6; Hebrews 6:1–3
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
The nature of sanctification
A process which has already been initiated
1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 6:11
A process of growth in holiness
Romans 12:1–3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 2:1–3; 2 Peter 3:18
Consecration to God
Exodus 32:29; 1 Chronicles 29:5; Proverbs 23:26; Romans 12:1
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.