Sanctification

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 13
 
This, like righteousness, may be absolute by the work of Christ (hence the word saints) (1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)), or practical by the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:2323And 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. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)). The word means set apart to God, and is equivalent generally to holiness (save such passages as John 10:36; 17:1936Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10:36)
19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. (John 17:19)). It is important never to confuse (as is often done) practical sanctification and divine righteousness, on the latter of which, the finished work of Christ for me, salvation depends, net on the former, which is the progressive work of the Spirit in me. Sanctification is connected with God (1 Thess. 5:2323And 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. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)), Christ (Heb. 13:1212Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (Hebrews 13:12)), and the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)).