The doctrine of Sanctification has been misinterpreted and misunderstood by many Christians. Some believe that this means we can never sin after we are saved and others think this is a license to sin since we are saved.
We need to study to see what the Bible says about this subject. First sanctification is positional and secondly it is progressive. There is no conflict between these two aspects. (The first looks at sanctification from God’s viewpoint where He sees us a “finished product” and it is effectual and eternal.) Hebrews 10:10, By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Progressive sanctification is the individual believer’s, as to his growth in Christ-likeness. 2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The words for “sanctify” appear in the Old and New Testaments but differ in spelling but not in their meaning. In each case, the literal meaning is to “separate” or to be “set apart for God.”
Sanctification is mentioned in connection with persons, places, or things. Each is set apart for God or to God’s service. It is never used to convey sinlessness. However, it is true that God DOES see us as sinless, because He now sees us dead and hidden in Christ, His Son. Colossians 3:3, For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, 1 John 1:10, If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Distinction between two words:
JUSTIFICATION: The act of God whereby He declares righteous, the one who has trusted Christ Jesus for salvation and forgiveness.
SANCTIFICATION: This work of God, the Holy Spirit, is to set apart for God, the one He has justified with the calling to walk in the newness of life. The Holy Spirit enables us to live the life before God and men. Matthew 5:16; Romans 13:14; Romans 6:4, Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Progressive sanctification is accomplished in the following ways:
1. By the Word of God. John 17:17, Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.
2. By the Lord Himself. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, And 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.“
3. By the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:12, Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.
4. By the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
There is an area in which the believer is to do this work of Sanctification. First is to separate himself from all that is contrary to God and His will.
2 Corinthians 6:17 – 7:1, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.“
Secondly, he should maintain the testimony lived before others. 1 Peter 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: If separation is not made, the testimony would be fruitless, as no one would see Christ living in you. Hebrews 12:14, Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man will see the Lord.
Sanctification is God working out all of the perfections of Christ in the believer. This includes holiness (same word as separation); 1 Corinthians 1:30, But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.; cleansing through the blood of His Son; 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship, one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanseth us from all sin. Fellowship is then maintained. Some day when we all see Him, we shall be like Him (the Lord Jesus) 1 John 3:2,3, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.