What
is Sanctification?
Sanctification is a work of the grace of God. It is required to perfect
holiness among God's people. Sanctification is a divine work of God's
grace and Holy Spirit, separating and cleaning the believer from himself, the
world, flesh and evil works of sin, setting apart one to holiness and service
for the master use (II Timothy 2:21). Sanctification literally means to
make holy. I Corinthians
1:30 teaches Christ Jesus is made unto us sanctification. Christ is the
Sanctifier. I have heard over these fifty and more years several terminologies
within the church for sanctification. At some points, the meaning and
application of sanctification has been concealed or misrepresented in it pure
meaning. Some of the terms have been expressed in the Believer's life as:
sanctification, deeper life, victorious life, perfect love, holiness, higher
level, pure heart, next level in living for God, glorified living, word living
or living by the word, etc. These terms all reflect or emphasizes a phase of
sanctification. But, in true reality of the scriptures, sanctification must be
considered in the biblical terms and meaning. The Bible best explains the
sanctified living and God's grace and work in the Holy Ghost to sanctify and
sustain holy living.
First, we must consider the work of sanctification can and only is
obtained in Christ through the Holy Spirit. The baptism with the Holy Ghost is a
second work of grace to sanctify. He (Jesus Christ) shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit
descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptized with the Holy
Ghost (John1: 33). But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days
hence (Acts 1:5). But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 11:16). And
ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost comes upon you and ye shall be
witness unto me (Acts 1:8). The infilling of the Holy Ghost is a work of grace
sanctifying a believer into holiness. And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance
(Acts 2:4). And when they had prayed…they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Act 4:31).
Notice, when the scriptures speaks of the Holy Ghost infilling, baptizing and
those receiving; the terms are used interchangeably in Act 2:38; 1:5; 2:4; John
7:39. This all indicates God's sanction upon us in His sanctifying grace with
the Holy Ghost. This further declares that the infilling of the Holy Ghost with
his consequent sanctifying work, is not for the world but for the saint
(Believer). The doctrinal fact is, this is a second work of grace upon the
believer. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is only for saints or believer who have
confirmed faith and salvation in Christ. The unbeliever is in no condition to
receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus
speaks very clear upon this John 14:16, 17 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another
Comforter,whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither
knoweth him." What the unsaved (unbeliever) needs is salvation (the
regenerating work of grace and Holy Spirit). The unbeliever is in no position to
receive nor can he or she understand spiritually things about the Holy Ghost.
There must be baptism of the Holy Ghost to be led into all truths.
Looking closely, sanctification is for the church. Ephesians 5:25, 26
explains Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word. The Church
will be presented to Christ without spot or wrinkle. The Church is Christ's
bride. Isn't it very appropriate, necessary and proper for the bride of the Lamb
to be Holy: His wife is made herself ready (Revelation19: 7). Christ is
returning for a Holy Bride. He is not coming until all things are ready. He will
return to receive His Church when it is a reflection of Him. He will be able to
look upon Himself and see Himself in the Church, pure and holy.
Sanctification is a personal
work of grace for every believer. No one in the church is to be excluded. It is
for the household of faith; not just a few but for everyone. There is a serious
problem in the Church today in general. There are too many sick members in the
body. They are not sanctified. One sick member in the body of the church can
affect the whole body. The health of the body depends upon each individual
member. Healthy members inn the body makes a healthy body. Christ prayed in St.
John 17:17 for sanctification in the body of the church. Sanctify them through
thy truth, thy word is true. The Apostle Paul prayed in I Thessalonians 5:23
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ."