The term sanctification can be a bit confusing for new believers in particular. We hear it used for our initial salvation experience, we hear it used in connection with our existential state as Christians, and even as something we are to continually pursue.
But without understanding the various uses of the word and what Scripture intends when it uses the word in various contexts, we can easily get lost.
So, let’s look at what sanctification is and its biblical definition.
Why Is Sanctification Important?
It is always important to be very clear in our communication. Otherwise, people might get the wrong idea of what we are saying and take offense or be encouraged to a certain action that we never intended. Think for a moment about the word “love.” We use it in so many contexts.
“I love chocolate!”
“I love her voice!”
“I love this shirt!”
So many uses for the word love. One of the most important is its use in relationships. Even when we say, “I love you,” the intended meaning changes depending on who we’re talking to or about. Communication then must be clear, both with regard to context and intention.
The word sanctification is no different. The word means different things depending on how and when it is used. As a start, let’s establish a basic definition for the word that will apply in all contexts.
Sanctification is that gracious and continuous work of God in us through His Holy Spirit whereby He creates us anew in Christ Jesus, separating us unto God from the common and sinful, and transforms our nature into the likeness of Christ, enabling us to perform good works, and live above willful sin. Regardless of the context, this definition will always apply.
Where Does Sanctification Begin?
When does sanctification begin? Sanctification is actually an immediate grace and ongoing process. It first occurs simultaneously with justification. That is, the moment you surrender your life to Christ.
Truthfully, you cannot have justification without sanctification. They are inextricably connected. Logically, justification precedes sanctification. Temporally, they occur simultaneously (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11).
Justification and sanctification may be likened to a one-dollar bill. There are two distinct sides to the dollar bill.
There is the front side, which in this illustration may be likened to justification. We can describe the front side and notice the differences between it and the backside.
However, you cannot receive the dollar without receiving both sides simultaneously. In our illustration, the backside of the dollar is sanctification.
Likewise, sanctification includes all aspects of experiential change that occur in a person’s life when they get saved.
If one stopped with the doctrine of justification by faith, one would only have a legal matter between man and God. Man would still be a sinner, have no power to live holy, and sin every day in word, thought, and deed.
Holiness (righteousness) would only be a matter of imputation alone. It is true that at the moment you gave your life to Christ the Father declared you holy, or sanctified, based on the merits of Christ.
This is what is known as “initial” sanctification. Scripture, however, does not use the term “initial” sanctification; it simply speaks of it as “sanctification.” But that isn’t the end of sanctification. Progressive sanctification picks up after initial sanctification takes place.
It involves all actual change to conform to the will of God in the believer’s life. As the believer continues in faith, sanctification continues to develop.
Progressive sanctification, sometimes called “entire” sanctification is a term applied to God’s further working in the life of a believer (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
It requires the believer to make a full surrender to God (Romans 12:1) and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Progressive sanctification occurs throughout the life of the believer as he/she increasingly conforms to the image of God and His will.
Through a continued life of surrender of the will and giving up of willful acts of sin, the believer’s heart and mind are purified from inherited depravity (Acts 15:9).
Why Does This Matter?
If you are a new Christian, it is important that you understand these two concepts. “Justification is that gracious and judicial act of God by which He grants a full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and the imputation of righteousness to all who by faith receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
In other words, you are declared sanctified. Sanctification is, according to Dr. Allen Brown, “that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit, by which He delivers the justified sinner from the pollution and power of sin, renews your whole nature in the image of God, and enables you to perform good works.”
Dr. Allan Brown lays out the differences between these two:
Justification: you are declared righteous; Sanctification: you are made righteous.
Justification: what God does for us through Christ by faith; Sanctification: what God does in us through the Holy Spirit by faith.
Justification: imputation of righteous — Christ’s righteousness is put to your account; Sanctification: impartation of righteous — holiness is gradually made a part of your life.
Justification: objective — a change in your relationship to God; Sanctification: subjective — a change in your very nature.
Justification: granting of pardon and release from the penalty of your sins; Sanctification: being made a new creature in Christ Jesus.
Justification: positional holiness — your standing in Christ; Sanctification: personal holiness — your transformation in Christ.
Justification: substitution — He died for your sins; Sanctification: identification — you die with Him to sin.
Justification: Christ paid sin’s penalty; Sanctification: Christ broke sin’s power.
Justification: is by faith alone, not by works; Sanctification: is by faith alone, not by works.
With this clear and simple set of definitions, you need not ever be confused as to what sanctification is, when it occurs, how it works, and how it is related to your justification.
It should also impress upon you the incredible love God has for you in providing not only a declaration of holiness for you but a means for you to actually grow in holiness and be holy even as your Father in heaven is holy.
For further reading:
Does Love Really Cover a Multitude of Sins?
What Does it Mean That Good Works Are the Result of Salvation?
What Does Agape Love Really Mean in the Bible?
What Does it Mean to be Reborn?
Why Is it Important to Have an Eternal Mindset?
Does Salvation Affect More Than Just Eternity?
What Does it Mean ‘If Anyone Is in Christ He Is a New Creation’?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/a2studio
J. Davila-Ashcraft is an Anglican priest, Theologian, and Apologist, and holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from God’s Bible College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a recognized authority on the topic of exorcism, and in that capacity has contributed to and/or appeared on programming for The National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, and CNN. He is the host of Expedition Truth, a one-hour apologetics radio talk show.
