What is Sanctification?

What is Sanctification?

• A. To be set apart.
• B. To be made holy by the Spirit over time.
• C. To be declared righteous.
• D. To be forgiven of sins.

Answer: (A)

Sanctification centers on being set apart for God. In Scripture, to sanctify means to designate someone or something for holy use, separating it from ordinary use to be devoted to God's purposes. For believers, this starts at salvation (positional sanctification) and continues as the Spirit works within to produce growth in holiness (progressive sanctification). This sets it apart from justification, which is being declared righteous, and forgiveness, which is the removal of sins. The essential idea is the intentional separation for God, with ongoing transformation as the Spirit enables obedience and Christlikeness.

Sanctification centers on being set apart for God. In Scripture, to sanctify means to designate someone or something for holy use, separating it from ordinary use to be devoted to God's purposes. For believers, this starts at salvation (positional sanctification) and continues as the Spirit works within to produce growth in holiness (progressive sanctification). This sets it apart from justification, which is being declared righteous, and forgiveness, which is the removal of sins. The essential idea is the intentional separation for God, with ongoing transformation as the Spirit enables obedience and Christlikeness.