There are words frequently used in the Christian church that are familiar to believers, such as baptism and salvation. An often overlooked yet essential aspect of living out Christianity is sanctification, a word that is misunderstood. The word is typically used to refer to how to live life as a believer, and it is brushed over frequently. What is sanctification? How do we live it out in our lives to glorify God?
Defining Sanctification
When a pastor mentions sanctification, they are referring to a New Testament covenant that is the process that takes place when a person becomes a believer.
Sanctify comes from the Latin root sanctificare, meaning “make holy”, going hand in hand with the definition of sanctification being the “state of being made holy” (Online Etymology Dictionary, n.d.). Sanctification is something that happens after you’re born again into Christ.
Types of Sanctification
People have different understandings of what this looks like, but the widely accepted view is that sanctification is the process by which an individual pursues holiness. It is the response to being saved, seen in our actions and thoughts. Think of it as the hunger to learn more about God and the constant desire to live out His will.
There are three main types of sanctification: positional, progressive and perfect. Let’s dive deeper into these to better our understanding.
Positional Sanctification
Look at this type as your position in the world. Are you a Christian? Saved? Believe in God? If you are saved, you are set apart from the rest of the world and, therefore, positionally sanctified. You believe in God, so you have a higher calling and a different outlook on the world.
"And that is what some of you were. 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."
Progressive Sanctification
When you have the desire to deepen your relationship with God, you are pursuing progressive sanctification. You are progressively growing closer to God and coming closer to holiness. Imagine it is a day-by-day kind of sanctification.
Perfect Sanctification
This sanctification will only be achieved in heaven. We are humans and are incapable of achieving perfect holiness. Sin will remain until Christ comes again.
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as he is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure."
Our Calling To Be Sanctified
Positional sanctification is part of the calling of a Christian; it is God’s will for His people. We are supposed to feel conviction and act on it by asking for forgiveness. An individual who is chasing sanctification is someone who seeks out truth and is active in their faith. We choose to be sanctified daily when we follow the path God provided for His followers. Lukewarm faith is dangerous; God wants His people to follow Him every day.
Some signs in your life that may show that you are in the process of positional sanctification can be:
Pursuing a relationship with God means pursuing Him each and every day through prayer, studying scripture and sharing the gospel.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your kindness and mercy. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I may live in perfect sanctification with you in heaven. Help me to seek you in every step I take so I may live out your will for my life.
Amen.
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