What is Sanctification?

The word sanctification means to 'be made holy' or 'to set apart.'  Sometimes we gloss over this important part of Christian living, but maybe we need to take a closer look at sanctification and examine our lives to see how we measure up.

The term 'holiness' appears in the Bible 43 times. Here are a few notable verses in the New Testament:

Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

The word sanctified (or some variation) appears 141 times in the Bible!

Why do we spend so little time examining this part of scripture?  What does this tell us about the importance that God places on sanctification and holiness?

The truth is, our God is holy.  No man can approach God without being holy. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He is able to wipe away the penalty of sin, cleanse us from sin, and enable us through the power of the Holy Spirit to be sanctified unto God.

Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

If we are born of God, we love Him; we want to abide with Him, imitate Him, and serve Him. Let this be the day that we put aside the things that displease the Lord and strive for the things that bless the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 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.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Living for Jesus ...

Susan