Catechism – Week 19 – Sanctification

What is Sanctification?

Last week we saw how justification gives us a new status. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we are made right with God. Sanctification refers to Christians being made holy and typically describes the process by which God makes us more like him.

Romans 6:22 – But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (ESV)

What were we before sanctification?
We were in bondage to sin (see also Romans 6:20).

What then is sanctification?
Sanctification is the process where we are freed from sin to become more in line with God’s plan for our life.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

What is the Christian’s hope in this life?
That we would be entirely sanctified.

What does that mean?
It means that we reject all evil (see Romans 5:22) and choose God’s way.

Scripture Memory Verse:

Ephesians 5:25b-26a – Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her.

What is sanctification?
Sanctification means God is making the Christian holy, leading to the moment of entire sanctification where we fully desire the way of God.

Adults and older students are encouraged to receive a fuller explanation from Dr. Tim Tennent (President of Asbury Theological Seminary) by clicking this link.