Practical Sanctification - Week 1

Sanctified: from the Latin sanctus or sacred; set apart

“We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.” New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833)

Sanctified means dedicated, consecrated or set apart.

Positional sanctification is immediate at the moment of salvation and requires no action from us.

Practical sanctification is a lifetime process of becoming like Jesus.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.2 Corinthians 3:18

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16

Sanctification is not a good idea, but an expectation of every believer.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;Titus 2:11-12

Sanctification is about growth in righteousness, holiness and Christlikeness.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.2 Peter 3:18

Sanctification is a work begun by the Father.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.John 17:17

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Romans 8:29

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:Philippians 1:6

Sanctification comes from death to self and life in Christ.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:11

Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Sanctification uses the Word of God to change my heart.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.John 17:16-17

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:1 Peter 2:2