Sanctifi-who????
Sanctification is not exactly a common everyday word. I remember hearing it when I was growing up, but no one clearly defined it for me. Guess they assumed I knew what it meant or perhaps they didn't know what it meant either! That's unfortunate as it's an essential part of doctrine.
The dictionary defines it in this way:
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sanctification)
1. To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
2. To make holy; purify.
3. To give religious sanction to, as with an oath or vow: sanctify a marriage.
4. To give social or moral sanction to.
5. To make productive of holiness or spiritual blessing.
As a theological category, sanctification defines the Christian life lived as a result of justification (see "Justification"). While justification and sanctification must be distinguished and not confused, they can never be divided. While justification is a completed work in Christ, sanctification is progressive. (from the Dictionary of Theological Terms by Don Matzat)
The various denominations have different definitions. I'm interested in the Lutheran understanding.
From the Good News Magazine: (the complete chart can be read at http://www.mtio.com/articles/bissar10.htm)
Sanctification is that act of God WITHIN the sinner which God works with the new man in a lifelong process of restoration.
From Scripture:
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-3
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Philippians 3:12
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:2-5
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age....
Titus 2:11-12
