Theological Word Of The Day: Sanctification

TWOTD ^ | November 7, 2008

[Gamecock]

Sanctification

Taken from the same Gk root meaning “holy” (hagios), sanctification is the doctrine in Christian soteriology (salvation) that is normally used to describe the growth process of a believer. To be sanctified literally means to be “set apart unto God.” Theologically, the force of the doctrine is less an idea of separation from sin, but a closeness to God that is necessarily separate from the sin. In this sense, sanctification is both a position and a process. The Christian has been sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11), but there is also a since in which he or she is working toward a realization of this reality in their spiritual walk (Rom. 6:22; Phil. 2:12).

[Gamecock]

TWOTD Ping

The TWOTD Ping list is published daily, except weekends. If you would like on or off of the TWOTD Ping List please FReepmail me.

[JeepInMazar]

Sanctification can be seen in the life of the believer in three periods of time: past, present, and future.

Past sanctification refers to the work of Jesus Christ in our lives which was accomplished on our behalf through his crucifixion and resurrection.

Present sanctification refers to the ongoing, daily work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers to make them more Christ-like in this life.

Future sanctification refers to the perfect sanctification for believers after death when they are in the presence of God in heaven.

[Alex Murphy]

Sanctification can be seen in the life of the believer in three periods of time: past, present, and future.

I like your definitions. I was taught to label these periods as justification, sanctification, and glorification, but the concepts are nearly identical to what you articulated.

[Salvation]

SANCTIFICATION

Being made holy. The first sanctification takes place at baptism, by which the love of God is infused by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Newly baptized persons are holy because the Holy Trinity begins to dwell in their souls and they are pleasing to God. The second sanctification is a lifelong process in which a person alredy in the state of grace grows in the possession of grace and in likeness to God by faithfully corresponding with divine inspirations. The third sanctification takes place when a person enters heaven and becomes totally and irrevocably united with God in the beatific vision. (Etym. Latin sanctificare, to make holy.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

[ItsOurTimeNow]

And what a process it is.

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” - Prov. 25:4

No gain without pain, Saints!