INTRODUCTION:
Sanctification is one of redemptive works that a Christian has to pass through in his walk with God and journey to heaven. This work of grace starts at Salvation (involving repentance, regeneration, justification, and adoption unto God’s family), continues and increases throughout the life of the believer and completes at death or translation of the believer. It is also a work in which God and man cooperate, each playing distinct roles. It is progressive and makes man free more and more from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.
CENTRAL BIBLE PASSAGE: ST. JOHN 17:13-26
A. The Meaning Of Sanctification
The English word came from the latin word ‘Santificatio’, meaning the act/process of making holy, consecrated. As God is holy, sanctification is therefore setting someone or some thing apart by God , for God, from sin and unto a holy life. Ps. 99:9; 3; 111:9; Heb 12:14; Ps. 4:3 The Bible speaks of sanctifying the tabernacle and its contents, men, buildings, fields, firstborn, temple, priests and a nation – Ex. 40:9-11; Lev. 27:14-16; Num. 8:17 from evil and unto God. 2 Tim. 2:21; 2 Chron. 29:5, 15-18; Lev. 27:16
B. The Means Of Sanctification
The Trinity is involved in the work of Sanctification. 1 Thess. 5:23; Eph. 5:26; 2 Thess. 2:13. The means God employed include the following:
a. The Word. John 17:17
b. The Blood of Jesus. Heb. 13:12
c. The Fire of the Holy Spirit. Mal. 3:2-3; Lk. 3:16-17
d. Chastisement. Heb. 12:10, 11
e. Yielding of the Individual/ vessels unto God. Rom. 6:19; 2 Cor. 7:1
C. Stages Of Sanctification
There are three major stages of sanctification in the life of every believer.
a. Instantaneous Sanctification: 1 Cor. 6:11; Exod. 19:10-15; Ex. 29:33-35; Heb. 13:12; Heb. 9:11-14; Rom. 6:11-18
b. Continuous and Progressive Sanctification: Jn. 17:17; Jn. 15:1-3; Jam 1:22-25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 1:1-3 Rom. 12:1-2; Rom. 6:19-22; Phil. 2:12-14
c. Complete & Final Sanctification: Here a believer is completely holy in every part – body, soul and spirit. One day, a believer is expected to be completely holy without one grace missing. We shall be like Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 Jn. 3:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:41-54
D. Retaining Sanctification
a. By living a life of implicit obedience to the word of God and the Holy Spirit within. Jos. 1:8; Rom. 12:1
b. Resist the devil and use the power of the written and spoken word. Jam. 4:7; Mt. 4:4; Rom. 6:14; 2 Cor. 10:4-5
c. Be slow to speak. Jam. 1:19; 3:1-2
d. Be faithful in regular sessions of bible study, prayer and soul winning. Ps. 84:7, 11
e. If you sin or the Holy Spirit or the Word of God reproves you quickly confess, repent, apply the blood of Jesus and do what God says you should do. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Jn. 1:7-9
f. Have faith that it is possible to live a holy and sanctified life. 1 Jn. 3:1-9