Sanctification is a distinct but integral process in salvation, showcasing the believer's transformation and setting them apart for God.
Sanctification is intertwined with salvation, representing the ongoing transformation that believers undergo after being justified. Justification concerns their legal standing before God, while sanctification refers to the moral and spiritual renewal that occurs in their lives. As Jesus requests in John 17:17, sanctification is accomplished through God’s truth, and it manifests as believers grow in grace and holiness. This process, fueled by the Holy Spirit, reflects the reality of their salvation and aims to restore them to the image of Christ. Thus, while sanctification involves the believer’s response to God’s grace, it is ultimately a divine work that affirms the completeness of salvation and the believer's constant reliance on God's empowering presence.
Scripture References:
John 17:17, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:8-10
Commentary