Sanctification in the Bible
Sanctification is the making-holy of God's people — set apart at conversion, progressively transformed by the Spirit, finally perfected in glory.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Set apart and being made holy
Believers are sanctified definitively at conversion (1 Corinthians 6:11) and progressively transformed by the Spirit through the word (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Holiness as God's will
Sanctification is not optional — it is God's stated will for His people (1 Thessalonians 4:3) and what the Father is conforming us toward (Romans 8:29).
Frequently asked questions
What is sanctification in the Bible?
Being set apart for God and progressively made holy — definitively at conversion, progressively through life, completely at glorification (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23).
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
Justification is God's once-for-all declaration of righteousness; sanctification is His lifelong work of making the believer actually holy (Romans 5:1; 6:22).