The Bible is the world’s oldest and most influential book and an essential part of religious faith. It contains stories, poems, laws, and teachings of God revealed to believers through prophets. So what exactly is sanctified in the Bible and why is it important?
The word ‘sanctified’ is derived from the Latin ‘sanctificare’, which means to make holy or sacred. It refers to being consecrated to the service of God and set apart for his use and glory. In the Bible, the term is often used to describe individuals, places, and things that have been given special spiritual significance. For example, God declared the Sabbath holy or sanctified it and instructed the Israelites to observe it as a day of rest.
According to biblical scholars, the concept of sanctification is an important aspect of Christian belief, as it teaches that all people, regardless of background or culture, have an innate value and should be treated with dignity and respect. Sanctification is also used to emphasize the importance of obedience and religious devotion, for example, those that are sanctified are expected to remain loyal to God, keep His commandments, and live in the service to Him.
In addition, sanctification also plays a role in the Christian faith in several other ways. It is a reminder that God is the One who sets apart the righteous from the ungodly, brings spiritual growth and transformation in a person’s life and is essential to entering the kingdom of heaven. Further, sanctification is an important element of Christian worship and devotion, as it is believed to deepen one’s relationship with God.
The Bible contains numerous stories and teachings about sanctification, and is filled with examples of those who have been set apart for special spiritual service. One of the most famous examples is Jesus himself, who is the ultimate example of one who was totally sanctified by the Father. In addition, many of the disciples, prophets, and even angels are described in the Bible as “sanctified” in some way.
In conclusion, the Bible clearly teaches that sanctification is an important part of being a follower of God. Through examples and teachings, it encourages us to live with intention, obedience, and faithful devotion to God, no matter our background or culture, and to treat each other with respect and kindness.
Ways of Achieving Sanctification
Achieving sanctification is a lifelong journey that requires commitment and dedication to God. While it is clear that no one can achieve perfection in this life, there are certain steps that people can take to help them on their path to sanctification. Here are some of the best ways to achieve sanctification:
The first step to achieving sanctification is to approach God with an open heart and mind. Praying to God on a regular basis can help to develop a close relationship with Him. Additionally, it is important to make time for reading the Bible and engaging in spiritual practices such as fasting, worship, and meditation.
In addition to spiritual practices, it is also important to think about our own personal behaviour and try to ensure that it reflects our religious beliefs. This includes using our speech, thoughts and actions to manifest God’s love and grace. It is also important to be aware of our own weaknesses and strive to overcome them. Finally, it is essential to have a supportive community of believers who can offer guidance, encouragement and prayer.
By applying these principles in our own lives, we can move closer to the goal of sanctification.
Difference Between Sanctification and Justification
The terms sanctification and justification are often used interchangeably, but there is an important difference between the two. Justification is the act of being declared righteous by God and refers to the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Sanctification, on the other hand, is the process of transformation that believers undergo as they strive to grow closer to God and become more like Him. Thus, while justification is an essential part of Christian belief, sanctification is the process of pursuing it.
In the Bible, there are several examples of people who were justified by God as well as those who underwent the process of sanctification. Abraham, for instance, was justified by his faith and became the father of all believers, while the prophet Moses underwent a process of sanctification in which he experienced progressive spiritual growth and transformation.
Ultimately, both justification and sanctification are essential parts of the Christian faith. While justification grants us entrance into the kingdom of God, sanctification helps us to grow closer to Him. Thus, it is through a combination of the two that believers can become more like Jesus and experience the fullness of life.
Sanctification And Sin
In the Bible, it is stated that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, sanctification should be seen as the process of getting rid of all of the sins that humans have and restoring one’s relationship with God. Sanctification is about cleaning the slate, so to speak, and allowing one to start anew.
For those who believe in Christ, through his death, Jesus paid the penalty for all of our sins, allowing us to be “saved” and renew our relationship with God. However, even though we are redeemed, we still struggle with the effects of sin, and the process of sanctification is meant to help us to overcome this.
God has given us tools to help us achieve sanctification, such as prayer, fasting, worship, and meditation. Additionally, we can seek guidance from a spiritual mentor or teacher who can help us to identify and understand our sin and assist us in putting our lives back in line with God’s will.
Ultimately, sanctification is an ongoing process. Through it, we can strive to become more and more like God, and through His grace, we can be transformed and become the people he wants us to be.
Sanctification And The Church
The church is an integral part of the process of sanctification. As the body of believers, the church provides community, guidance, and encouragement to those who are striving to grow in holiness. Through regular worship, Bible study, and prayer, the church helps to bring believers closer to God and is essential in helping them to stay on the path of sanctification.
The church has a vital role to play in the sanctification process as it is through this community that believers learn to live out their faith and practice discipline. The church also encourages believers to be accountable to one another, pray for each other, and support each other in their spiritual journeys.
Finally, the church serves as a reminder to all believers of the ultimate goal of Christian sanctification, which is to live a life of service and obedience to God. The church exists to point people towards Jesus and to help them to become the people that He wants them to be.
The Role Of The Holy Spirit in Sanctification
The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the process of sanctification. As part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is the bridge between God and humanity, helping believers to live in a way that pleases God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can become more and more like Christ, as He works out His will in their lives.
The Holy Spirit serves as a guide, leading us in all truth, convicting us of sin, and teaching us how to live. He also gives gifts to believers, enabling them to grow in maturity and become more effective in the work of building up the Body of Christ.
When believers place their faith in Jesus Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to come into their lives, they enter into a sanctifying relationship with God. Through this relationship, believers can experience reconciliation with God and become more like Him.
The Bible states that “the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs… of the grace of life” (Romans 8:16-17). In this way, the Holy Spirit helps to bring believers into a closer relationship with God, allowing them to experience the joy and transformation of sanctification.
