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What is sanctification?

Answered by Gene Cunningham, Basic Training Bible Ministries · from The Basics

Sanctification is the process by which we are conformed to the image of Christ. To be sanctified means to be "set apart" to God. This process occurs as believers are sanctified in the truth, and Jesus identifies the Word of God as that truth (John 17:17).

Sanctification is the result of continuous cleansing. When a believer repeatedly applies cleansing day-by-day through the confession of sins, they will eventually be sanctified, useful, and prepared. God promises that if we confess our sins, He will always forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Believers are positionally righteous and sanctified always. However, they are practically righteous and sanctified only when they are walking in the Spirit, having no unconfessed sins and being filled by means of the Spirit. It is the declared will of God for every believer to be sanctified (1 Thess. 4:3).

Also asked: What is the process by which we become more like Christ?
Also asked, more loosely
What role does confessing our sins play in becoming holy and useful? · How do believers get set apart to God's will and purpose?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Sanctification' (printed pp. 53, 99, 124, 164) · Read this lesson in the book →

What this answer is about

The subjects this answer names in its own words. Where the record names that subject itself, it is shown in bold.

CleansingConfessionPromisesSanctificationWill of God

Related questions

Scripture recorded with this answer

Passages recorded with this answer.

1 Thess. 4:3What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
cited by 1 other question
John 17:17What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
appears on 4 pages of The Basics · cited by 6 other questions
p.35p.53p.110p.296
1 John 1:9What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
appears on 14 pages of The Basics · cited by 25 other questions
#4p.6p.7p.62p.99p.112p.113p.140p.147p.151p.202p.241p.247p.301

Where this is taught in the book

Closest first: the pages where the book treats this subject most directly.

Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible

p.53p.62

Lesson 2–4: The Equipment—Spiritual Gifts

p.99

Lesson 2–5: The Supply Line—Prayer

p.105p.113

Lesson 3–1: The Race—The Christian Life

p.124p.123

Lesson 3–4: The Climb—Spiritual Growth

p.154

Lesson 3–5: The Goal—Spiritual Maturity

p.164

Lesson 2–3: The Commission—Evangelism

p.86p.88

Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

p.147

More pages teach this. The Source line above carries the full citation and opens the book.

Scripture is not BTBM’s to license: the references above link to Blue Letter Bible (NASB95), and the verse text shown on this page is served by BLB under their own license and terms.