The Bible teaches that sanctification involves both a definitive aspect where believers are set apart in Christ and a progressive aspect where they grow in holiness over time.
Sanctification in the Bible encompasses the cleansing from sin and the setting apart for God's service, closely aligning with the notion of holiness. This dual concept is understood in two ways. First, there is a one-time definitive sanctification where believers are sanctified fully in Jesus Christ. Secondly, there is a progressive sanctification, which denotes the ongoing growth in holiness that every believer strives for in their spiritual life. This growth is not about quantifiable holiness but rather an increase in the knowledge of Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 10:4, Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:24, Romans 6:6, John 17:17, 1 Cor 1:30, John 8:31, John 15:9, Gal 2:5, Col 1:23, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:14, Leviticus 20:8, Hebrews 10:10, John 17:17-19, Romans 8:4-10, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:2, Romans 12:1-2, Hosea 7:8, Mark 7, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:13, Romans 7:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Hebrews 2:11, Isaiah 6:5, Job 40:4, Psalm 51:3, Ephesians 5:25-27, Colossians 2:9-10, Ephesians 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Jude 1:1, Hebrews 10:10-14, John 17:19, Jude 1, Hebrews 13:12, Genesis 1:26, Galatians 5:24, Colossians 2:10, Romans 3:10, 2 Peter 3:18, Romans 8:13, 1 Peter 1:15, Hebrews 13:20-21, Hebrews 12:14, Acts 20:32, Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:6-7, Psalm 119:105, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 7:6, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:30, Colossians 1:21, Galatians 5:17, Isaiah 64:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, Ephesians 2:20, Colossians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 1:1-10, Colossians 1:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Corinthians 6:13, Ephesians 1:3-6, Acts 26:18, Romans 15:16, 1 John 1:8, Hebrews 2:11-12, I Thessalonians 5:24, II Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 10, Joshua 3:5-9, 1 Peter 3:15, Ezekiel 36:21-32, Jeremiah 32:37-42, Exodus 13, Genesis 2:3, Philippians 3:10-11
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