SANCTIFICATION

1 THESSALONIANS 5:2

A. "AND THE VERY GOD OF PEACE SANCTIFY YOU WHOLLY"
  1. There is, perhaps, no other Bible subject about which there is known less than the subject of sanctification:
    1. Some teach that sanctification is the second work of grace and that it is instantaneous.
    2. Others teach that sanctification begins at conversion and is the work of a life time.
  2. Does the Bible have a clear and easily understood answer to the question of sanctification? We believe that it does, and that by comparing scriptures on this subject, sanctification is very clear and wonderful:
B. TO GET AT THE VERY ROOT OF THE DOCTRINE ON SANCTIFICATION, LET US CONSIDER A NUMBER OF RELATED TRUTHS ON THIS SUBJECT
  1. Nature of sanctification:
    1. The word "sanctification" signifies -
      1. Separation or setting apart from that which is common to that which is holy.
      2. It is a cleansing process, being made clean from the defilement of sin.
      3. It is a dedication to a cause or a duty we have accepted - John 17:17
      4. It is a consecration or dedication of our life to God.
    2. Sanctification is God's means to restore the image of God in our life - Rom. 8:28, 29; 2 Cor. 3:18
  2. Means of sanctification:
    1. We are set apart or separated by the Word of truth - John 17:17; Heb. 4:12
    2. We are cleansed from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ -
      1. It cleanses us from all sin and uncleanness - Heb. 13:12; 1 John 1:7
      2. It is God's fountain against all uncleanness - Zech. 13:1; Rev. 1:5 This is the beginning of Bible sanctification, giving the believer a new standing before God.
  3. Nature of sanctification:
    1. Sanctification is, in its nature, progressive and not, as some claim, instantaneous -
      1. There is no such thing as instantaneous manhood.
      2. There is no such thing as instantaneous daylight, dawn, morning, noon, and evening.
      3. A building is not erected in an instant.
    2. Sanctification is progressive because -
      1. Man's knowledge is progressive - Prov. 4:18; 1 Cor. 13:11, 12
      2. Man's comprehension of truth is limited - John 16:12
      3. Sanctification deals with man's character, at least in part; character cannot be developed overnight; it is the work of a lifetime.
    3. Sanctification is visible, "Let your light so shine that men may see your good works" - Matt. 5:16
    4. Sanctification affects -
      1. The mind
      2. The body
      3. The soul - 1 Thess. 5:23
C. IMPORTANCE OF SANCTIFICATION
  1. Without it no man shall see the Lord:
    1. The stain of sin will have to be removed before we can see God.
    2. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" - Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14
  2. Sanctification is in practice:
    1. Loving obedience to God's Word - 1 Pet. 1:22
    2. To claim sanctification and yet live in disobedience to the Word of God is a denial of the truth - 1 John 2:4-7
    3. A hostile attitude toward God's law is evidence of the falsity of the claim to sanctification - Rom. 8:6, 7; Isa. 30:8, 9
  3. Pattern of sanctification:
    1. Christ - Heb. 12:1-3
    2. By beholding Him we become changed - 2 Cor. 3:18


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