Introduction

Recently, I heard a pastor discussing sanctification. He explained it as both positional and progressive, but this raised questions for many people. If you ask, “Are you sanctified?” most are puzzled and unsure. This confusion highlights the need for clarity on a vital topic. Let’s explore sanctification—what it is, what it means, and how it applies to us as believers.

What Is Sanctification?

Sanctification, a term often perceived as highly theological, simply means being “set apart” or “reserved” for a purpose. It’s synonymous with holiness.

When people think of sanctification, they often focus on outward behavior. As a child in church, I remember hearing someone refer to the congregation as “saints,” and it made me cringe. I knew their flaws and thought, “These are saints? Really?” But sanctification isn’t just about behavior—it’s about what God has done in the spirit realm.

Sanctification Is a Work of God

Sanctification is initiated and completed by God. It’s not merely about outward actions, but about being set apart for a divine purpose.

In John 17:19, Jesus says, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.”

Jesus didn’t lack holiness or need sanctification, yet He set Himself apart for God’s purpose. Similarly, in the Old Testament, places, objects, and even utensils were declared holy—not because of their actions but because God set them apart.

In the Old testament, places here sanctified, when God told Moses that where he was standing was holy, or utensils were holy! So it is not just about behaviour.

Even in Isaiah 6:3

“And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”” when the angels call God Holy, the angels are declaring that God is completely set apart and distinct from anything and anyone else. God is perfect in His nature, character, and actions. He is completely pure, righteous, and without sin. His holiness is beyond our comprehension and sets Him apart as the one true God.

Am I Doing Okay?

Many Christians wrestle with this question: “Am I okay with God?” We’ve accepted Christ, believe He has forgiven our sins, and know we’ll spend eternity with Him. Yet doubts linger—“Is God pleased with me?” or “Am I living up to His expectations?”

Adding to the confusion, some theologians teach that we are justified but are being progressively sanctified. This perspective often leaves believers uncertain and striving for approval.

The Biblical View of Sanctification

The Bible presents sanctification as both a completed reality and an ongoing process.

1. We Have Been Sanctified (Set Apart):

Sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation. Colossians 1:13 says:

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

This transfer into Christ’s kingdom is the act of being set apart. Sanctification happens in the spiritual realm, fully and completely, when we place our faith in Him.

2. Our Behavior Is Being Set Apart:

Though we are spiritually sanctified, our behavior—the outward expression of this truth—continues to be set apart over time. Romans 6:11 says:

“Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

This verse encourages believers to align their actions with their spiritual reality. Sanctification in behavior is about living out who we already are in Christ.

For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 instructs believers to abstain from sexual immorality. Paul isn’t saying sanctification is incomplete; rather, he’s urging them to live in agreement with their sanctified identity.

3. We Are Not Defined by Our Behavior:

Our identity is rooted in Christ, not in our actions. The church in Corinth is a prime example. Despite their many moral failings, Paul addresses them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2).

If you had questioned Paul, “But don’t you know what they’re doing?” he would have replied, “I know what they’re doing, but I also know who they are in Christ.”

The word “saints” comes from the same root as sanctification. It refers to being set apart in Christ, not to flawless behavior.

The Problem with Progressive Sanctification

Progressive sanctification is a popular teaching or theology that says that we are “being” sanctified. They view sanctification as a gradual process where we work toward holiness. While it’s true that our behaviour is progressively transformed, this doesn’t mean our sanctification is incomplete.

The Bible emphasizes that sanctification is a finished work in the spiritual realm. Teaching that believers are not fully sanctified can lead to a life of striving and sin-consciousness, which has the opposite effect of what is intended.

Hebrews 10:14 says:

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

This verse highlights the completeness of sanctification in Christ. When we embrace this truth, it empowers us to live upright and holy lives—not to earn sanctification, but as a response to it.

The Balance: Living Out Who You Are

Sanctification is not a duality where we are both sanctified and unsanctified. It’s about recognizing that we are sanctified in spirit and aligning our actions with this truth.

Our role is to live out what is already true in the spiritual realm. As Paul says in Romans 6, “present your members as slaves to righteousness.” This isn’t striving for sanctification—it’s walking in the reality of who we are in Christ.

Summary

1. Your spiritual reality is that you are sanctified, fully and completely, in Christ.
2. Your behaviour is progressively being set apart as you align with this truth.
3. You are not defined by your behavior, but by your identity in Christ.

Teaching believers that they are not fully sanctified leads to striving and uncertainty. But when we affirm that they are holy, righteous, and blameless in Christ, they are inspired to live in alignment with their true identity.

Sanctification isn’t something we achieve; it’s a gift we receive. Embrace the truth of who you are in Christ, and let His holiness shine through your life. This is the beauty of the gospel—a finished work that transforms us from the inside out.