Sanctification: Becoming What You Were Made For

Sanctification: Becoming What You Were Made For

Sanctification is not an optional upgrade for elite Christians—it is the evidence of genuine salvation. While justification declares us righteous before God by faith in Christ, sanctification is the ongoing process by which God actually makes us righteous in conduct, character, and desire. To separate the two is to invite a faith that saves no one.

I. Defining Sanctification

The word sanctification comes from the Greek term ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos, Strong’s G38), meaning holiness, consecration, or separation unto God. It stems from the root ἅγιος (hagios), meaning holy or set apart. Sanctification is the process by which a person is made holy, set apart for God's purposes, and conformed to the image of Christ.

Paul writes, “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, NLT). The LEB renders it: “For this is the will of God—your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” Here, sanctification is not merely a theological status; it is the actual lifestyle change that flows from salvation.

Context Note:

In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul is speaking to a community of new believers surrounded by rampant pagan practices. Their sanctification was not about being slightly better than the culture—it was about being radically different.

II. Sanctification Is Both Instant and Ongoing

There is a positional and a progressive aspect to sanctification:

• Positional sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation. Hebrews 10:10 says, “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (NLT). This is what sets us apart as God’s own.

• Progressive sanctification is the lifelong process of being transformed. Paul tells believers, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (Ephesians 4:23, NLT). This is daily surrender and renewal.

Context Note:

Hebrews 10 emphasizes that while Jesus’ sacrifice perfected our standing, verse 14 reminds us: “By that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” It’s a paradox: we are perfected and being perfected.

III. The Means of Sanctification

A. The Holy Spirit

Sanctification is God’s work in us through the Holy Spirit. Paul writes, “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14, NLT).

Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit—evidence of sanctification. These are not self-produced virtues, but Spirit-born character traits: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT).

B. The Word of God

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17, LEB). The Word of God renews the mind (Romans 12:2) and reorients the will.

C. Obedience

Obedience is not legalism; it is the fruit of love. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15, NLT). And again, “Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers” (John 15:6, NLT). Holiness cannot be separated from abiding in Christ.

D. Suffering

God uses trials and suffering to refine His people. “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10, LEB). Sanctification is rarely comfortable—but it is always purposeful.

IV. Sanctification Is Not Optional

Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (LEB). This verse strips away casual Christianity. Those who are not being sanctified have not been justified.

Context Note:

This verse is often softened in modern churches, but the Greek is stark: χωρὶς οὗ οὐδεὶς ὄψεται τὸν κύριον (chōris hou oudeis opsetai ton kyrion) — without which no one will see the Lord. No one.

V. Common Misunderstandings

A. “I’m under grace, not law”

True—but grace trains us to renounce ungodliness (Titus 2:11–12). A grace that tolerates sin is not biblical grace—it is license.

B. “Sanctification is optional”

This is refuted by Scripture everywhere. Romans 6:1–2 asks, “Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not!” (NLT)

C. Confusing Sanctification with Justification

We are not saved by good works—but we are not saved without good works either. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). Good works are the fruit, not the root, of salvation.

VI. Sanctification Leads to Glorification

Romans 8:30 makes the progression clear: “And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory” (NLT). Sanctification is not a detour; it is the road to glory.

VII. Conclusion

Sanctification is not about achieving moral superiority—it’s about becoming like Christ. It is not our merit, but God's mercy shaping us through His Spirit, His Word, our obedience, and even our trials. A Christian who isn’t being sanctified is a contradiction in terms. God doesn't merely save us from something—He saves us for something: holiness.

As Paul urges in 1 Thessalonians 5:23:"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (LEB).