Sanctification

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Sanctification is a central theme in the Christian theology, reflecting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is a process of becoming more like Christ, rooted in biblical principles and historical Baptist beliefs. In this article I’m going to explore and briefly discuss the nature, process, and significance of sanctification from a Baptist perspective.

Understanding Sanctification

 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

In its simplest form, sanctification refers to the process by which believers are made holy. This term comes from the Latin word sanctus, meaning "holy." In the New Testament, sanctification is described as both a positional and a progressive experience. William Evans on his book “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” Writes: “If regeneration has to do with our nature, justification with our standing, and adoption with our position, then Sanctification has to do with our Character and conduct. In justification we are declared righteous in order that, in sanctification, we may become righteous. Justification is what God does for us, while sanctification is what God does in us. Justification puts us into a right relationship with God, while sanctification exhibits the fruit of that relationship; a life separated from a sinful world and dedicated unto God” (Evan William, 1912).

1. Positional Sanctification: We the Baptists believe that upon accepting Christ as Savior, a believer is positionally sanctified. This means he/she is declared holy and is set apart for God's purposes. This initial sanctification is often associated with justification—the act of being declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Progressive Sanctification: While positional sanctification occurs the moment of salvation, progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity. This involves a believer’s daily experience of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, obedience to God’s Word, and active participation in the life of the church.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification. We believe that the Spirit indwells every believer the moment of salvation, empowering them to live a life that reflects Christ’s character. This empowerment includes:

• Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts believers of their sins, prompting them to confess and turn away from behaviors that do not honor God.

• Guidance in Truth: The Spirit guides believers into all truth, helping them to understand and apply Scripture in their daily lives.

• Enabling Grace: The Spirit provides the grace needed to grow in holiness, enabling believers to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as we read in the Bible:

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians, 5: 22-23).

The Means of Sanctification

1. Scripture: The Bible is foundational in the sanctification process. Regular reading, study, and meditation on God’s Word all work together to help believers understand His will and grow in their relationship with Him.

2. Prayer: Prayer is essential for spiritual growth. Through prayer, believers communicate with God, seeking His guidance and strength in their sanctification journey.

3. Community: The local church provides a supportive environment for growth. Fellowship with other believers, participation in corporate worship, and accountability within the church community are vital for nurturing faith and holiness.

The Goal of Sanctification

The goal of sanctification is Christlikeness. As believers grow in holiness, they increasingly reflect the character of Christ in their thoughts, actions, and relationships. This transformation not only enhances individual spiritual growth but also contributes to the mission of the church in order to impact the world with the love and truth of Christ.

Conclusion

Sanctification is a vital aspect of the faith, encompassing both an initial declaration of holiness and a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, believers are called to pursue holiness, engage with Scripture, and participate in the life of the church. Through these means, they are transformed into the likeness of Christ, fulfilling their calling to live out their faith in a way that glorifies God and advances His Kingdom.

References

Holy Bible

William, Evans. 164 (1912). The Great Doctrines of the Bible