Here we go anyway...
The word sanctification refers to the act of process of making holy or setting apart (as special) and occurs approximately 5 times in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1, 1 Thessalonians 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, and 1 Peter 1).
To sanctify is literally "to set apart for special use or purpose," figuratively "to make holy or sacred".
There is much that can be said (or written) on this subject, but for your reflection, I'll leave you with some words from CJ Mahaney in The Cross Centered Life:
"...the power of the gospel doesn't end when we're justified. When God declares a sinner righteous, He immediately begins the process of making that sinner more like His Son. Through the work of His Spirit, through the power of His word and fellowship with other believers, God peels away our desires for sin, renews our minds, and changes our lives. This ongoing work is what we call "sanctification". Sanctification is a process - the process of becoming life Christ, of growing in holiness ... about our own choices and behavior. It involves work."
How does this differ from justification? Mahaney again clarifies this for us:
"Justification is being declared righteous. Sanctification is being made righteous - being conformed to the image of Christ. Justification is our position before God. Sanctification is our practice... Justification is objective - Christ's work for us. Sanctification is subjective - Christ's work within us. Justification is immediate and complete upon conversion... Sanctification is a process. You will be more sanctified as you continue in grace-motivated obedience."
As I read this section from Mahaney's book, I remembered that I was supposed to write on this topic, and it's been an encouragement to me today. I pray that as you reflect on these two theological terms, that you will be encouraged as well.
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