In Strong’s Concordance, “sanctification” (Greek: ἐγγόνιση, hagiazo) refers to the process of being made holy or set apart for God’s purpose, involving moral and spiritual cleanliness. It encompasses both an initial act of being declared holy and the ongoing transformation into Christlikeness through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
Sanctification Defined in Strong’s Concordance
Sanctification, as delineated in Strong’s Concordance, embodies a profound theological concept that extends beyond mere moral behavior; it signifies a spiritual metamorphosis into a state of holiness designated by God. The Greek term hagiazo translates to “to make holy” and reflects a dual action within the life of a believer. Initially, sanctification involves a definitive act where God declares a person holy, primarily through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This principle is vividly articulated in 1 Corinthians 6:11, which notes, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Here, sanctification is presented as a divine gift, establishing the believer’s identity in Christ.
However, sanctification does not conclude with this initial declaration; it is an ongoing process that necessitates continual transformation and growth. In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul urges believers to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” indicating that sanctification is an active collaboration between the individual and the Holy Spirit. This transformative journey aligns believers more closely with the character of Christ, fostering attributes such as love, humility, and righteousness. Ultimately, this lifelong progression toward Christlikeness serves not only to fulfill God’s purpose in the life of the believer but also to reflect God’s glory to the world. Sanctification, therefore, is not just about moral cleanliness but a deep and abiding relationship with God, characterized by a desire to embody His will and to serve as vessels of His grace.
As further illustrated in Strong’s Concordance, the concept of sanctification encompasses both positional and progressive elements. The term hagios indicates not only those who are set apart for divine purposes but also those who are called to live in a state of holiness reflecting God’s nature. This distinction highlights that while believers are sanctified positionally at the moment of salvation, they are also engaged in a continual process of sanctification that requires daily commitment and surrender to God’s transformative work.
Moreover, the scriptures illustrate that sanctification is intricately linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In passages referencing the Spirit’s role, believers come to understand that it is through His guidance and empowerment that they can aspire to live lives marked by holiness. This dynamic relationship emphasizes that sanctification is not achieved through human effort alone but rather through a dependence on God’s grace and strength. As believers yield to the Spirit’s influence, they are progressively conformed to the image of Christ, promoting a lifestyle that reflects true obedience and spiritual maturity, fulfilling God’s calling for their lives as chosen vessels of His love and purpose. The overarching theme of sanctification, therefore, embodies both a gift received and a journey undertaken, marked by the believer’s commitment to grow in holiness and to reflect God’s character in every aspect of life.
The Process of Spiritual Growth
Sanctification refers to the ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation in a believer’s life. It signifies the journey of becoming more like Christ, where individuals are gradually conformed to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. This process involves the believer’s active participation in faith, obedience, and the pursuit of holiness, leading to a deeper relationship with God.
Separation for Divine Purpose
Another broader meaning of sanctification is the idea of being set apart for a specific divine purpose. In biblical terms, this separation signifies that believers are chosen and designated for God’s work and service. This aspect emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God’s holiness and intentions, distinguishing believers from the secular world and aligning them with God’s will.
The Assurance of Redemption
Sanctification also encompasses the assurance of redemption and the believer’s position in Christ. It highlights the transformative power of salvation, where individuals are not only forgiven but also empowered to live righteously. This assurance provides believers with the confidence that they are being continually refined and prepared for eternal life, reinforcing their identity as children of God.
How to Pursue Holiness and Resist Sin Effectively
Pursuing holiness and resisting sin is a journey that requires both intentionality and grace. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing God’s Word to transform your heart and mind—Psalm 119:11 reminds us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and hold you accountable; fellowship is vital in our walk of faith. Prayer is your lifeline—ask God for strength and wisdom to resist temptation, and be specific about the areas where you struggle. Remember, it’s not about striving for perfection but about leaning into God’s grace and allowing His Spirit to work within you. When you stumble, don’t be discouraged; instead, turn back to Him, confess, and embrace the forgiveness that is always available. Holiness is a process, and with each step, you’ll find yourself growing closer to Christ and more equipped to resist the pull of sin.
Bible References to Sanctification in Strong’s Concordance:
Hebrews 10:10-14: 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Romans 6:19-22: 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31: 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:2-5: 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John 17:17-19: 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Ephesians 5:25-27: 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
1 Corinthians 6:11-12: 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
Hebrews 12:10-14: 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Romans 15:15-16: 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God
16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:20-21: 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
Philippians 1:9-11: 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Colossians 3:12-14: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
1 John 3:2-3: 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.