Intro: "We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer."

The subject of "sanctification" is probably the most misunderstood in the Bible. Some believe that to be sanctified is to be living above sin. Others believe it is a definite "second work of grace" whereby the old nature is taken away. Let us see what the Bible teaches.

I. WHAT IS SANCTIFICATION?

[1]. It is not sinless perfection. No one lives above sin before God (1 Jn. 1:8-10).
[2]. It is not a second blessing, or a second work of grace in the heart of the saved. The Bible says, "Ye must be born again", not "Ye must be born again and again."
[3]. It is being set apart for the Lord (Ex. 13:2; Lev. 27:14-16; 1 Thess. 4:37).

 

II. WHEN IS A PERSON SANCTIFIED?

The Bible teaches that it is threefold: past, present, future.

[1]. Every person who accepts Jesus christ and the offering that He made is instantly sanctified or set apart. By the offering of the body of Jesus Christ "once for all", he is separated from sin, and separated unto God. He is taken out of the kingdom of Satan and set in the kingdom of God. (See 1 Cor. 1:2 and Heb. 10:9-14). In this divine work, there is also put into the heart of the one trusting in Christ a desire to obey and please God (1 Pet. 1:2).
[2]. Present sanctification is progressive and has to do with the way we progress in our Christian life (Eph. 4:11-15; 2 Pet. 3:18).
[3]. Future sanctification will be complete, the redemption of the body (1 Thess. 3;12-13; 1 Jn. 3:2).

 

III. HOW IS A PERSON SANCTIFIED?

There is a part which God only can and does take. There is also a part assigned to the saved person. In other words, there is the divine side and the human side.

[1]. The Divine Side:

It is the work of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5:23-24; Eph. 5:26; 2 Thess. 2:13).

[2]. The Human Side:

A. Faith in the Lord's finished work (Acts 26:18).

B. By the word of God (Jn. 17:17).

C. By dedication of life (Rom. 12:1-2). The Lord doesn't need our help or effort, but He wants YOU.

D. By submitting to God's Divine discipline (Heb. 12:10-11).

E. By turning from the knowledge of sin, and desiring the will of God to be done in your life (Rom. 6:18-19).

A Christian is being sanctified by the Word of Truth when he is bringing his life into harmony with the teachings of the Bible concerning separation from worldliness.

If the Bible teaches something to be wrong, by the Grace of God he will cease to do wrong and strive to do that which is right.