What Does Sanctified Mean In The Bible
In the Bible, the term ‘sanctified’ is incredibly important. In fact, it is used more than any other term in the Bible, when it comes to describing something as being ‘holy’ or ‘cleansed’. So, what exactly does sanctified mean in the Bible?
The term ‘sanctified’, as defined in most Bible dictionaries, is the act of being ‘set apart’ or ‘placed apart’ from the rest of the world. It is something that God has chosen to do and it is often used to describe something that has been ‘given special extra protection’ from worldly and spiritual forces. The Bible’s use of the term ‘sanctified’ also implies that something has been set apart for a higher purpose than just human use or enjoyment. It implies a greater destiny that is ultimately for God’s glory.
One of the most common ways that sanctified is used in the Bible is to refer to the process of becoming a ‘saint’. A saint is someone which is set apart by God for a special purpose in His Kingdom. The process of becoming a saint typically involves a period of transformation, as the person moves closer to God and becomes more dedicated to him and His divine will. During this time, the person becomes ‘sanctified’, or set apart and purified in the sight of God.
In addition to being used to refer to saints, sanctified is also used to refer to natural elements and spiritual individuals. For example, a river that has been set aside and ‘sanctified’ by God is said to be a special place, as are places of worship such as churches and synagogues. Similarly, people are often described as being ‘sanctified’ when they have undergone a spiritual transformation, such as those who have experienced conversion to the Christian faith.
Importantly, the term sanctified is often used to refer to something that has been ‘set apart’ as ‘holy’, as in the traditional sense of the word. This perhaps gives the greatest insight into what sanctified means in the Bible and reminds us that God takes holiness very seriously. All areas and all people that have been set apart by God have been set apart for a purpose, and they all carry the weight of being ‘sanctified’.
Sanctification in the Old Testament
The notion of sanctification, or being ‘set apart’ for God’s purposes, is a concept that goes back to the very beginnings of the Bible. In the Old Testament, we can see this concept in the Sabbath, a special day of the week that was set aside for rest and for God. On this day, the Israelites were not allowed to work or conduct trade, as it was considered an ‘unholy’ act. In addition, God also ‘sanctified’ certain priests, making them apart from the general population to activate as his intermediaries.
In the Old Testament, the term sanctified is used more broadly to describe God’s chosen people, the Israelites. As well as being God’s chosen nation, the Israelites were also ‘commissioned’ with the task of living a holy life and leading a lifestyle that was in accordance with God’s commands. By leading this kind of life, the Israelites were to be ‘sanctified’ in the eyes of God.
The notion of sanctification continues to be important in the New Testament. The concept of the ‘Sabbath’ remains, as well as many other occasions in which something is ‘sanctified’ by God in the New Testament. In addition, Jesus is often described as having been ‘sanctified’ by God in the New Testament, through his baptism by John the Baptist.
Finally, in the New Testament, sanctification is also referred to in another way, when it comes to the process of becoming a Christian. Specifically, when someone converts to Christianity, they are said to be ‘sanctified’. This is because in following their new faith, they are moving closer to God and entering into a kind of covenant with Him.
Sanctification and Living Today
It is important to remember that sanctification is not just a concept that was relevant in Biblical times. As Christianity has become more widespread and it is now considered essential to live a ‘holy’ life in order to truly follow Jesus and His commands. Thus, sanctification is not just something that someone is given, but it is something that must be actively pursued by Christians today. Sanctification is a process of transformation, as well as a way of life.
One way to think about sanctification is as a lifestyle that is dedicated to living in accordance with the will of God, to exemplifying the teachings of Christ, and to serving others. Thus, as Christians we should strive to embody sanctification through our words, deeds, and actions in order to truly live lives that are pleasing in the sight of God, and that bring glory to Him.
In addition to living out sanctification, it is also important to maintain it in our spiritual lives. This means setting aside time to focus on our relationship with God, prayer, and participating in the sacraments. Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Confession are all important means of maintaining sanctification in our lives, and thus remaining close to God and His will.
The Importance of Sanctification
Ultimately, the term sanctified is used throughout the Bible to refer to anyone or anything that has been made holy or set apart by God. Sanctification is a process of purification of both people and places, and it is essential to living a life that is in accordance with the commands of God. It is something that is deeply ingrained in the very foundation of Christianity and it remains an important concept for Christians today.
In addition to being a crucial part of the Christian faith, sanctification is also incredibly important to remember when it comes to our own spiritual growth and relationship with God. Sanctification is a vitally important concept, as it reminds us that each of us have been chosen and set apart by God and that it is our responsibility to stay living a life that is pleasing to Him and in accordance with His will.
Sanctification as a Teaching Tool
Sanctification is a concept that is important for Christians of all ages, and it is especially important for those who are teaching children about Christianity and the Bible. For example, parents can use the idea of sanctification to teach their children about the importance of staying close to God and living a life that is dedicated to His will. Through discussions about sanctification, parents can help their children to understand how to be holy in their everyday lives and to stay connected to God.
Likewise, teachers in a church can also use the concept of sanctification to teach children about the importance of living a holy life. By teaching children about sanctification and what it means, they can help foster an understanding of the Bible and of Christianity that is much closer to God.
Finally, it is important to remember that sanctification is not just something that is applicable to Christianity and the Bible. It is a concept that can also be applied to other faiths, cultures and even to everyday life. By understanding sanctification, we can begin to understand why God uses it and how it is important for our spiritual growth and for being in harmony with God and His will.
Sanctification in Other Religions
Sanctification is also a concept that is found in other religions as well. In Buddhism, there is a similar concept known as ‘samadhi’, which can be translated to mean ‘making holy’ or ‘purification’. In Hinduism, the concept of ‘moksha’ is used to refer to the act of being ‘liberated’ or ‘set apart’ from worldly attachments to reach a higher spiritual plane.
These concepts hint at the fact that the notion of sanctification is not exclusive to Christianity. Instead, it is a concept that can be found in a variety of religious and spiritual Practices, as well as in everyday life. As such, it is important to understand sanctification in order to be better able to appreciate its connections with the Christian faith.
Sanctification in Everyday Life
Finally, it is important to note that the concept of sanctification is applicable to more than just religious contexts. In fact, it can be found in everyday life, in a variety of forms. For example, when we ‘set aside’ a certain amount of money for a special cause, or when we ‘set aside’ a certain amount of time for leisure activities, we are engaging in a kind of ‘sanctification’. Even something as simple as making sure to set aside a certain amount of time for prayer can be an act of sanctification, as it is an act of setting apart something for a spiritual purpose.
Thus, it is important to understand that sanctification is relevant in all aspects of life, and not just in the spiritual realm. We can use it as a way to ‘set apart’ or ‘sanctify’ something, whether it be time, money or other resources. By doing this, we can strive to lead lives that are in accordance with God’s will and that bring Him glory.
