What is Sanctification?

The New Testament apostles all mentioned sanctification. What is sanctification? Why should we care about it? Here are several verses which explain what it is and why we need it.

Sanctification is the process which saints go through in order to make them more like Christ. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV), "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Being sanctified also means being separated from sin. The Bible in Basic English explains this clearly. Exodus 13:1 and 2 say, "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Let the first male child of every mother among the children of Israel be kept holy for me, even the first male birth among man or beast; for it is mine.'"

Exodus 31:13 (BBE) shows that all the people of Israel were to be sanctified. It says, "Say to the children of Israel that they are to keep my Sabbaths; for the Sabbath day is a sign between me and you through all your generations; so that you may see that I am the Lord who makes you holy."

As for sanctification in the New Testament, 1 Peter 3:15 and 16 (BBE) states, "But give honour to Christ in your hearts as your Lord; and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride; Being conscious that you have done no wrong; so that those who say evil things about your good way of life as Christians may be put to shame." That, by the way, also shows another byproduct of sanctification.

Because our Lord wants us to be like children who improve as we age, 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) admonishes, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

But often times, Christians fail to change their infantile ways. Hebrews 5:12 and 13 (BBE) scolds, "And though by this time it would be right for you to be teachers, you still have need of someone to give you teaching about the first simple rules of God's revelation; you have become like babies who have need of milk, and not of solid food. For everyone who takes milk is without experience of the word of righteousness: he is a child."

I'll be writing more on this subject of growth in the knowledge and wisdom of Christ in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Just as a childish person is despised, so those who refuse to advance in their sanctification are pathetic.

On Thursday, I'll be blogging about how we can recognize the progress of our sanctification.