Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Sanctifying, in biblical terms, refers to the process of being made holy or set apart for God's purposes. The concept of sanctification is central to Christian theology and is understood as both an instantaneous act and a progressive work of God in the life of a believer. It involves the transformation of a person’s character and conduct to align with the holiness of God.
Biblical Foundation:The Bible presents sanctification as a divine act initiated by God. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qadash" is often used, meaning to consecrate or set apart. In the New Testament, the Greek word "hagiazō" carries a similar meaning. Sanctification is both a positional reality and a practical process.
Positional Sanctification:Upon accepting Christ, believers are sanctified positionally, meaning they are set apart for God. This is a definitive act accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This indicates that sanctification is a completed work in terms of the believer's standing before God.
Progressive Sanctification:While believers are positionally sanctified, they are also called to pursue holiness in their daily lives. This ongoing process is known as progressive sanctification. It involves the believer's cooperation with the Holy Spirit to grow in righteousness and Christlikeness.
Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."
Role of the Holy Spirit:The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctification. He empowers believers to overcome sin and to live according to God's will.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 highlights this, saying, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth."
Means of Sanctification:Sanctification is facilitated through various means, including the Word of God, prayer, and the fellowship of believers. Jesus prayed for His disciples in
John 17:17 , "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." The Scriptures serve as a primary tool for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (
2 Timothy 3:16).
Holiness and Obedience:Sanctification calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience.
1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is a reflection of God's character and a response to His grace.
Ultimate Sanctification:The process of sanctification will be completed when believers are glorified at the return of Christ. This ultimate sanctification is the final transformation into perfect holiness.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 assures believers, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it."
Sanctification is thus a comprehensive work of God that begins at salvation, continues throughout the believer's life, and is completed in eternity. It is both a gift and a responsibility, calling believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sanctify.
Greek
38. hagiasmos -- consecration, sanctification... See 40 ("holy"). Word Origin from hagiazo Definition consecration, sanctification
NASB Word Usage sanctification (8),
sanctifying work (1), sanctity (1).
...4899. suneklektos -- chosen together with
... 1 Pet 1:1,2: " 1 To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, , by thesanctifying work of the Spirit...
Library
Sanctifying Grace
...SANCTIFYING GRACE. The grace of justification, commonly calledsanctifying
grace, is related to actual grace as an end to its means....
WhetherSanctifying Grace is Bestowed in this Sacrament?
... CONFIRMATION (Q ) Whethersanctifying grace is bestowed in this sacrament? Objection
1: It seems thatsanctifying grace is not bestowed in this sacrament....
WhetherSanctifying Grace is Conferred in the Sacrament of Order?
... OF THE EFFECT OF THIS SACRAMENT (FIVE ARTICLES) Whethersanctifying grace
is conferred in the sacrament of Order? Objection 1: It...
The Properties ofSanctifying Grace
... Chapter I. The Nature Of Actual Grace Section 3. The Properties OfSanctifying
Grace. By a property (proprium, {GREEK SMALL LETTER...
7Th Day.Sanctifying Grace.
... 7TH DAY.Sanctifying Grace.... "He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform
it until the day of Jesus Christ.""Philippians 1:6.Sanctifying Grace....
Justifying orSanctifying Grace
... Chapter I. The Nature Of Actual Grace Section 2. Justifying OrSanctifying
Grace.Sanctifying grace is defined by Deharbe as "an...
The Genesis ofSanctifying Grace, or the Process of Justification
... Chapter I. The Nature Of Actual Grace Chapter I. The Genesis OfSanctifying
Grace, Or The Process Of Justification. The justification...
Whether Blessing andSanctifying are Due to the Seventh Day?
... ON THE THINGS THAT BELONG TO THE SEVENTH DAY (THREE ARTICLES) Whether blessing
andsanctifying are due to the seventh day? Objection...
Whether Gratuitous Grace is Nobler thanSanctifying Grace?
... OF THE DIVISION OF GRACE (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether gratuitous grace is nobler
thansanctifying grace? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Our Lord-Sanctifying Himself
... PART II. SOME BIBLE TYPES OF PRAYER X. OUR LORD-SANCTIFYING HIMSELF. "Lord, teach
us to pray.""Luke 11.i. "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself . ....
Thesaurus
Sanctifying (22 Occurrences)... n.) of Sanctify. Multi-Version Concordance
Sanctifying (22 Occurrences).
... for which
'is' greater, the gold, or the sanctuary that is
sanctifying the gold? (YLT).
...Pollute (42 Occurrences)
... Jehovah. (YLT). Leviticus 21:15 and he doth not pollute his seed among his people;
for I 'am' Jehovah,sanctifying him.' (YLT). Leviticus...
Sanctified (105 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 21:8 and thou hast sanctified him, for the bread of thy God he is bringing
near; he is holy to thee; for holy 'am' I, Jehovah,sanctifying you. (YLT)....
Gatekeepers (38 Occurrences)
... and in the days of Nehemiah, are giving the portions of the singers, and of the
gatekeepers, the matter of a day in its day, and aresanctifying to the Levites...
Added (97 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 27:15 and if he who issanctifying doth redeem his house, then he hath
added a fifth of the money of thy valuation to it, and it hath become his....
Sanctification (13 Occurrences)
... Outlines. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The act ofsanctifying or
making holy; the state of being sanctified or made holy; 2...
Sanctify (91 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 22:32 and ye do not pollute My holy name, and I have been hallowed in
the midst of the sons of Israel; I 'am' Jehovah,sanctifying you, (Root in YLT...
Unction (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything
soothing or lenitive. 3. (n.) Divine orsanctifying grace....
Eternal (166 Occurrences)
... The atoning death of Christ and thesanctifying power of the Holy Spirit are the
only means of divine appointment for bringing men to repentance....
Dedicates (7 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 27:19 And if he really redeem the field -- he who issanctifying it --
then he hath added a fifth of the money of thy valuation to it, and it hath...
Resources
What is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.orgAre the seven Catholic sacraments biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is extreme unction / last rites? | GotQuestions.orgSanctifying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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