Sanctification

Sanctification is a term used in Christianity to describe the act or process of acquiring sanctity, of being made or becoming holy. It is a concept that has been widely discussed throughout Christian literature and is a significant theme in Christian theology.

Etymology

The term "sanctification" is derived from the Latin word sanctificatio. The root of the word, sanctus, means holy.

In Christianity

In Christian theology, sanctification is a state of separation unto God; all believers enter into this state when they are born again. This is a past event, an immediate change in position. Sanctification also refers to the practical experience of this separation unto God, it being the effect of obedience to the Word of God in one's life, and is to be pursued by the believer earnestly (1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14). This is a progressive work begun in regeneration and continuing throughout the life of the believer (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In Protestantism

In Protestantism, sanctification is defined in two ways, sometimes it is used to refer to a process that can be clearly seen as a process of becoming holy, which includes personal holiness, cleanliness, or simply the state of being set apart for God; at other times, sanctification is used to refer to a single act.

In Roman Catholicism

In Roman Catholicism, sanctification is a process of becoming holy, which is considered to be a gift given by God to man, by which man becomes holy. This process is initiated by God, but requires the free response of man in order to be completed.

In Eastern Orthodoxy

In Eastern Orthodoxy, sanctification is the process of becoming holy, which is considered to be a gift given by God to man, by which man becomes holy. This process is initiated by God, but requires the free response of man in order to be completed.

See also

• Holiness movement
• Theosis (Eastern Christian theology)
• Divinization (Christian)