Q35. What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the work of God's free grace in which we are made new in our whole person to be more like God, and are helped more and more to turn away from sin and live for what is right.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
2 Thessalonians 2:13
“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.”
Ephesians 4:23–24
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Romans 6:4, 6
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. … Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What is sanctification?
- 2
How is sanctification different from justification?
- 3
Do you notice any ways God has been changing you over time?
Illustration
Learning to play an instrument takes a long time. On the first day, the notes sound rough. After months of practice, the music starts to sound better. Sanctification is like that. God is making you more like him over your whole life, and the change is gradual.
Application
Ask God this week to show you one area where he wants to help you grow. Because sanctification is his work in you, you do not have to change yourself by trying harder. Ask him for his help and trust him to do it.