What Is Sanctification?
What Is Sanctification? Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.
Key verse: Hebrews 10:10 (KJV)
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers into the likeness of Christ — set apart from sin and growing in holiness through the Spirit's power.
"We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." — Hebrews 10:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Sanctification means 'to be set apart' or 'made holy.' It operates in three tenses. Positional sanctification is past — at salvation, believers are declared holy: 'By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all' (Hebrews 10:10). Progressive sanctification is present — the daily process of becoming more like Christ: 'But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory' (2 Corinthians 3:18). Final sanctification is future — complete transformation at Christ's return: 'When he shall appear, we shall be like him' (1 John 3:2). The means include the Word ('Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,' John 17:17), the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13), discipline and trials (Hebrews 12:10-11), and fellowship (Proverbs 27:17). Philippians 2:12-13 captures the divine-human cooperation: 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you.'
Topic Overview
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How God forgives sin and what the Bible says about receiving complete pardon through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
"We all... are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Spirit?
Being filled with the Spirit means yielding control of your life to the Holy Spirit — allowing Him to direct, empower, and produce His fruit through you.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Sanctification Bible Quiz
Set apart for holiness — the biblical doctrine of growing in Christlikeness.
Bible Verses About Sanctification
10 curated KJV verses
Sanctification (ἁγιασμός (Hagiasmos))
The process of being made holy; set apart and transformed by the Spirit
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Hebrews. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Hebrews on day 351 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Sanctification?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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