SANCTIFICATION
The word sanctification means simply to be “set apart”. A person who is saved by God is formally sanctified meaning that person belongs to God. This sanctification is referred to as “positional sanctification”. This standing is because of their belief in Christ not because of sinless lives. New believers who are given positional sanctification need to be “practically sanctified” which means that they need to practice holiness. They need to follow the teachings of God’s Word and to practice obedience. As believers grow in their relationship with the Lord, their behavior should change to be more conformed to what God desires. God guides us to maturity, a practical, progressive holiness. Only then they will become more and more sanctified. This is often called “progressive sanctification”.
While we realize that we cannot become perfect in this life it should be the goal and desire of every Christian to become more and more holy. The process will end in holiness only when we are with God.
While we realize that we cannot become perfect in this life it should be the goal and desire of every Christian to become more and more holy. The process will end in holiness only when we are with God.