Word Study: Sanctification
Word family: Sanctification, sanctify, sanctity, saint.
Synonyms: Holiness, dedication
Related ideas: fellowship, purification, blood, priesthood, Holy Spirit
Definitions: Sanctification is being made holy, purified and set apart for God’s special use or purpose.
Greek References: `αγιασμος (hagiasmos) 38 (Strong) cf 37-42
Scripture:
Sanctified through the Spirit by faith and obedience
- 2Thessalonians 2:13 "...salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth"
- 1Peter 1:2 "in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood"
- Ephesians 5:26 "Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it, that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word"
Sanctified when justified and redeemed
- 1Corinthians 6:11 "...you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus"
- 1Corinthians 1:30 "Jesus... was made to us wisdom from God, and justification, and sanctification, and redemption"
Sanctified to serve
- Romans 12:1 "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy (sanctified), acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service"
Comment: Sanctification or holiness is what makes people saints —a Bible term for Christians, God’s holy or sanctified people. Saints enjoy purification from evil, separateness (but not isolation) from the world, fellowship with all other saints, and enlightenment from God. What's more, they enjoy this sanctification from the moment they become Christians. It's not a "second blessing" for which they must wait.