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    In Context

    What Is Sanctification — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.'

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Hebrews 10:10, sits inside Hebrews 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
    — Hebrews 10:10 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    2 Corinthians 3:18
    "We all... are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
    1 Thessalonians 4:3
    "This is the will of God, even your sanctification."

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    Meaning

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    Word Meaning

    Sanctification (ἁγιασμός (Hagiasmos))

    The process of being made holy; set apart and transformed by the Spirit

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