The Doctrine of Sanctification: God’s Goal For Us

Sanctification is an inside-job, performed by the Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 5:23; Eph. 5: 25-7; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 13: 20-1; Gal. 5:15-16). It is a subjective work – happening (perennially) within us, transforming the character and condition of the person. It is a supernatural work – performed by God through the Holy Spirit (Phil. 1:6); Col. 3:9-10). Sanctification is “the continuing work of God in the life of the believer making them holy – a process by which one’s moral condition is brought into conformity with one’s legal status before God (Justified! You are the righteousness of God; cf. 2 Cor. 5:21).[1]

This ongoing process of sanctification implies holiness – a separation from; to be set apart for the purposes of God; of dedicated use; to be cut off from (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh).