It's such a long word — sanctification. And it has such a churchy ring to it. No one uses this language outside the church.
Biblical word used that we read but not necessarily fully understand
A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose. The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy." In one sense only God is holy ( Isa 6:3 ). God is separate, distinct, other.
Hebrews 13:20-21
●progressively becoming like Jesus.
●Gradually becoming like Jesus, or becoming holy. Becoming conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
●Little by little, over time, from conversion till Jesus comes back, or we die we are in the process of sanctification, becoming sanctified, becoming holy.
1.To be Sanctified starts with God
Leviticus 20:7-8 ESV
●God is the one who sets us apart.
●Our choice is to…..
●A significant part of our identity in Christ is that we’re washed, renewed, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)
Titus 3:4-5
●The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit involves placing us in a spiritual position of having been cleansed from sin.
1. Sanctification is a position, not just a process
●sanctification is, first, a position into which believers are placed at conversion.
1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV
Acts 26 v 18
●sanctification has already occurred by grace through faith in the past—that there is a once-for-all, set-apart nature to our sanctification! God has graciously granted us a position “as those sanctified in Christ Jesus” by faith in Jesus.
2.Sanctification is a work of the Spirit.
●The Spirit is the agent of sanctification in both positional and progressive sanctification. Regenerating us and indwelling us, he positions us and causes spiritual growth in us
3.Sanctification, like salvation, is by grace through faith.
●God's Gracious work in us by his Holy Spirit
4.Sanctification is grounded in the eternal holiness of God
●Holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God. God alone is truly holy; there is none like him.
●We are told be Holy as I am Holy
●The holiness of God is his very “name”!
●His holiness distinguishes him from all of creation.
5.Sanctification is daily.
●Sanctification is a daily cycle of confession, repentance from sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking with the Holy Spirit by faith.
●We are positionally fully sanctified in that we’re considered completely clean, yet we still need the ongoing cleansing of regular “foot washing.” That is, the feet that get dirty during the day will need to be cleansed daily.
●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing.
6.Sanctification is not trying harder to be holy or do better
●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing.
●We respond to the Spirit’s sanctifying initiative; he supplies the spiritual motivation and energy to lead a holy, God-glorifying life.
7.Sanctification is not optional.
●You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
●We all need to take seriously the call to holiness and spiritual growth in our lives.
●Holy living is not just for a select few special people. Holiness matters for every believer.
8.Sanctification will not be complete until we get to heaven.
●At the end when we arrive in Glory we will have achieved holiness, but until then it’s an ongoing process.
●It’s the goal but not a reality yet. Growth, yes; perfection, no.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
