------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #pauline_theology, #sanctification, #christian_living, #holiness, #justification, #christian_identity, #christian_doctrine, #christian_spirituality # Sanctification According to Pauline Doctrine and Scripture **Scripture Reference: [1 Thessalonians 4:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4.3&version=AMP)** Sanctification is a central theme in the writings of [[Paul]], emphasizing the believer’s process of growth in holiness and Christlikeness. Derived from the Greek word *hagiasmos*, sanctification refers to being set apart for God’s purposes and growing in moral and spiritual purity. [[Pauline theology]] presents [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] as a multifaceted work of God that involves the [[Holy Spirit]], the believer’s [[Union with Christ]], and the active obedience of the [[Christian]]. ## Definition and Theological Context of Sanctification **Scripture Reference: [1 Corinthians 1:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1.30&version=AMP)** Paul’s understanding of sanctification is inseparable from [[Justification]] and [[glorification]]. He writes, “But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Here, [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is linked with the believer’s [[Union with Christ]] and involves God’s sovereign act of setting believers apart for His holy purposes ([Ephesians 1:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1.4&version=AMP)). Sanctification is both a **positional** reality and a **progressive** work. ### Positional and Progressive Aspects Paul’s theology of sanctification has two dimensions: 1. **Positional Sanctification**: Refers to the believer’s **standing** before [[God]] as holy and set apart through [[Union with Christ]]. The moment a person places their faith in Christ, they are sanctified positionally ([1 Corinthians 6:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6.11&version=AMP)). 2. **Progressive Sanctification**: Refers to the **process** of becoming more Christlike in thought, word, and deed ([2 Corinthians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3.18&version=AMP)). This aspect of sanctification involves the ongoing transformation by the [[Holy Spirit]] as believers strive to put off the [[old self]] and put on the [[new self]] ([Ephesians 4:22-24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.22-24&version=AMP)). ## The Means of Sanctification: Spirit and Word **Scripture Reference: [John 17:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17.17&version=AMP)** Paul teaches that [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] is primarily a work of the [[Holy Spirit]], using the [[Word of God]] as a means of transformation. “[Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth].” This verse reveals that [[Scripture]] is central to the believer’s sanctification, providing the moral and theological framework for growth in holiness. Likewise, Paul writes in [Galatians 5:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5.16&version=AMP), “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh,” emphasizing the role of the [[Holy Spirit]] in enabling believers to overcome [[Sin]] and live righteously. ### The Spirit’s Role in Sanctification Paul teaches that the [[Holy Spirit]] indwells every believer ([Romans 8:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.9&version=AMP)) and is the primary agent in sanctification. The Spirit convicts of sin ([John 16:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16.8&version=AMP)), empowers obedience, and produces the [[Fruit of the Spirit]] ([Galatians 5:22-23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5.22-23&version=AMP)). This transformative work is continuous and progressive as the believer yields to the Spirit’s leading ([Romans 12:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12.1-2&version=AMP)). ## Ethical Implications of Sanctification **Scripture Reference: [1 Thessalonians 4:3-4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4.3-4&version=AMP)** Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” This passage illustrates that [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] has profound [[ethical]] implications. It involves turning away from sin and living a life that pleases [[God]]. The believer is called to pursue moral purity and holiness, reflecting the [[Character]] of [[Christ]] ([Colossians 3:12-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3.12-14&version=AMP)). ### Holiness and Moral Purity To be sanctified is to be set apart for [[God’s purposes]] and to live in a manner that reflects His holiness. Paul calls believers to “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God” ([Romans 12:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12.1&version=AMP)). This command underscores that [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] involves the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. ## Sanctification as Christlikeness **Scripture Reference: [Philippians 2:12-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.12-13&version=AMP)** Sanctification is the process of becoming more like [[Christ]]. Paul exhorts believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” This passage highlights the believer’s responsibility in the process of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]], while also affirming that it is ultimately God who enables growth in [[Christlikeness]]. ### Putting Off and Putting On Paul often uses the language of “putting off” and “putting on” ([Ephesians 4:22-24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.22-24&version=AMP)) to describe the process of sanctification. Believers are to “put off” sinful behaviors and “put on” the virtues that characterize the [[new self]]. This involves an active engagement in resisting sin and pursuing [[The Righteousness of God]] ([Colossians 3:5-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3.5-10&version=AMP)). ## Ultimate Goal: Glorification **Scripture Reference: [Romans 8:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.30&version=AMP)** Sanctification is not an end in itself but a means to the final goal of [[glorification]]. Paul writes, “And these whom He justified, He also glorified.” The believer’s journey of sanctification will culminate in [[glorification]] when they are fully conformed to the image of [[Christ]] in the life to come ([1 John 3:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3.2&version=AMP)). ### Related Concepts: - [[Romans 3.21-22 Justification by faith]] - [[Union with Christ]] - [[New Creation in Christ]] - [[Progressive Sanctification]] - [[The Holy Spirit’s Work]] - [[Righteousness and Holiness]] - [[Christian Discipleship]] - [[Glorification in Christ]] - [[Sanctification- Growing in Holiness and Christlikeness]] #### Call to Action: - Embrace the work of the [[Holy Spirit]] in your life by daily surrendering to His leading and seeking to grow in [[Holiness]] and [[Christlikeness]]. - Make use of the [[Word of God]] as the primary means of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]], meditating on its truths and applying them to your life. - Encourage others to pursue [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] with a focus on pleasing [[God]] in every area of life.