Bible Study: Sanctification—The Process of Becoming Like Christ
Theme: Transformation, Holiness, and Spiritual Growth
Base Texts: John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Introduction
Sanctification is the ongoing process that begins at regeneration and leads the believer toward God’s full purpose: forming the character of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not mysticism or eccentric behavior, but a practical, ethical, and relational transformation.
Doctrinal Definition: Sanctification is the continuous work of God’s grace by which He separates the believer from sin and progressively conforms them to the image of Christ.
I. Biblical Terminology of Holiness
1. In the Old Testament
• Terms: Qadosh (holy), Qadash (to sanctify), Qodesh (holiness).
• Concept: To "set apart for a purpose." It is not isolation from society, but a change of "sphere."
• Leviticus 19:2: "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy."
• Insight: Holiness is not fleeing from the world, but living a distinct life within it.
2. In the New Testament
• Terms: Hágios (holy/saint), Hagiázō (to sanctify).
• Concept: Belonging to God, reserved exclusively for His use.
• 1 John 2:15-16: To be holy is to live above the corrupted moral system of the world.
II. The Foundation: The Holiness of God
Human sanctification is only understood through the lens of Divine holiness.
1. God is Incomparable: He is unique in His purity (Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2).
2. Holiness as Character: God does not simply avoid evil; evil is fundamentally incompatible with His nature (Isaiah 57:15; James 1:17).
3. The Church's Reflection: As a "holy nation," the Church is called to mirror this attribute to the world (1 Peter 1:16, 2:9).
III. How Does Sanctification Happen?
Biblical sanctification has two simultaneous movements:
• A) The Negative Aspect: Breaking with Sin
◦ Involves a change of mentality and abandoning the "old man" (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 2:1-3). It is living coherently with our new nature.
• B) The Positive Aspect: Developing Christ's Character
◦ Walking as children of light and producing fruit (Ephesians 5:1-18).
◦ The Evidence: The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is the practical proof of sanctification.
IV. The Spiritual Battle
Sanctification is not a passive stroll; it is a battle.
• The Armor: We use truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
• The Strategy: Jesus defeated Satan using the Word (Matthew 4:4-10).
• The Order: We must first submit to God before we can effectively resist the Devil (James 4:7).
V. The Purpose of Sanctification
Holiness is not an end in itself; it is for service.
• Preparation: We are vessels prepared for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21).
• Christification: As Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." Sanctification is the "Christ-filling" of the believer.
VI. The Role of the Trinity
1. The Father: He disciplines and perfects His children (Hebrews 12:5-11).
2. The Son: Christ is our sanctification and our perfect model (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 John 2:6).
3. The Holy Spirit: He produces the inner transformation and guides the believer (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:14).
VII. Human Responsibility
Sanctification involves a "monergistic" start (God acts alone in regeneration) but a "synergistic" process (we cooperate with God).
• Romans 12:1-2: We must offer ourselves and renew our minds.
• Philippians 2:12-13: We "work out" our salvation because God is "working in" us.
VIII. How to Grow in Sanctification
To sharpen the reflection of Christ, we must practice spiritual disciplines:
• Sincere Will: No one is sanctified against their own volition.
• Daily Word: Hiding the Word in our hearts to avoid sin (Psalm 119:11).
• Constant Prayer: Staying alert in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).
• Christian Mutuality: Growing through fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:25; Romans 1:11-12).
IX. The Final Goal
Hebrews 12:14: "Without holiness no one will see the Lord."
• Past: Positional sanctification (at conversion).
• Present: Progressive sanctification (daily life).
• Future: Glorification (conformity to His image, Romans 8:29).
- Bible Study: The Voice of God—How Does He Speak?
- Bible Study: The Image of God in Man Genesis 1:26-27
- Bible Study about Malachi 1:2–12 The Priority of Divine Love and the Call to Honor
Conclusion
Sanctification is the process of losing our "self-centered" shape to take on the "Christ-centered" shape. It is a grueling yet glorious journey from who we were to who God designed us to be.
