Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the threefold process by which we, according to the will of God, are made partakers of his holiness: first of all, positionally, meaning that we are complete in Christ the moment we believe, having a perfect standing before God (I Cor. 6:11 [show]1 Corinthians 6:11
[11]And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (ESV)
; Heb. 10:10, 14 [show]Hebrews 10:10
[10]And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (ESV)
Hebrews 10:14
[14]For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (ESV)); secondly, experientially, meaning that we are progressively being conformed to the likeness of Christ (II Cor. 3:18 [show]2 Corinthians 3:18
[18]And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV); Heb. 2:11 [show]Hebrews 2:11
[11]For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, (ESV)) through the appointed means of praying (Mark 14:38 [show]Mark 14:38
[38]Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (ESV)), Bible study (John 17:17 [show]John 17:17
[17]Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (ESV); I Pet. 2:2 [show]1 Peter 2:2
[2]Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- (ESV)), the pursuit of holiness (Heb. 12:14 [show]Hebrews 12:14
[14]Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (ESV); I Pet. 1:13-16 [show]1 Peter 1:13-16
[13]Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14]As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15]but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16]since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (ESV)), self-examination (II Tim. 2:21 [show]2 Timothy 2:21
[21]Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (ESV)), fellowship (Acts 2:42-44 [show]Acts 2:42-44
[42]And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43]And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44]And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (ESV)), and witnessing (Matt. 28:18-20 [show]Matthew 28:18-20
[18]And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19]Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20]teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (ESV)); thirdly, completely, meaning that we shall be transformed into the very image of Christ at his appearing, and only then (Eph. 5:27 [show]Ephesians 5:27
[27]so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (ESV); I John 3:2-3 [show]1 John 3:2-3
[2]Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3]And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (ESV)), thus taking hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us (Phil. 3:12 [show]Philippians 3:12
[12]Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (ESV)).