Sanctification in Christianity

In Christianity, sanctification means to set apart for a special purpose, to make something holy or sacred. It describes a process or state where a person or object is made holy, often filled with the Holy Spirit. This idea is very important in Christian theology.

When talking about people, sanctification begins when someone finds salvation. It is a continuing journey of growth in grace throughout a believer’s life. Many Christians believe this process is completed only after death, in Heaven. However, some traditions, like conservative Quaker and Methodist beliefs, including the Holiness movement, teach that a person can reach a state called entire sanctification even while living.

Teaching by Christian denomination

Roman Catholicism

The Catholic Church teaches that sanctification means sharing in God’s life. Through grace, people become children of God and are made holy. Saint Paul of the Cross said that prayer, good reading, and receiving sacraments help in becoming holy.

Eastern Orthodoxy

Orthodox Christianity teaches that humans can take on divine qualities and share in God’s being. This process is called theosis. A key scripture supporting this is 2 Peter 1:4. In the 4th century, Athanasius taught that God became human so humans could become like God.

Lutheranism

Lutheran Churches teach that sanctification begins when a person is justified. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to renew the believer and lead to good works. Sanctification has two parts: inner renewal and living out that renewal through good works. Good works are important signs of faith.

Anabaptism

Anabaptists believe sanctification starts with being born again and continues by following Christ. It involves the Spirit, God’s Word, and the community of believers. Sanctification is a lifelong process of denying oneself and following Christ.

Anglicanism

Anglican teachings vary, but sanctification is seen as God’s work within a person, helping them grow in holiness. Some Anglican theologians have explained the relationship between justification and sanctification.

Baptist

Baptists believe in progressive sanctification, where the believer grows in holiness through God’s grace and their own choices after coming to faith.

Reformed

In Reformed thought, sanctification is the process of growing in holiness after justification. It is a progressive but incomplete process in this life, as believers strive to live more like Christ.

Methodism

Methodist Churches teach that sanctification has three parts: initial, progressive, and entire. Initial sanctification begins at conversion. Progressive sanctification is growth in holiness over time. Entire sanctification is a crisis where the believer is made perfect in love through the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostalism

Pentecostal views on sanctification differ. Some teach entire sanctification as a second work of grace, while others believe in progressive sanctification through growth in faith.

Quakerism

Quakers, founded by George Fox, teach Christian perfection, where believers can be made free from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit and focusing on Christ.

Keswickianism

Keswickian theology teaches a second work of grace where God helps believers stay free from sin through surrender and faith.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In this church, sanctification is a process of becoming holy through repentance and following Christ’s teachings. It is a gift from God for those who strive to live righteously.