What is Sanctification?

Sanctification is a big, long word that simply means to be holy or set apart. It’s the process of becoming more and more like Jesus with the Spirit as our helper.

Sanctification isn’t a contest of who can read the Bible the most, pray the longest or sing the loudest in church. While reading the Bible and praying is certainly very important, sanctification also happens in the simple decisions we make each day:

Am I going to fix my eyes on myself or on Jesus?

Am I going to join in on gossip talk or refuse to be a part of it?

Am I going to be envious of what someone else has or am I going to praise God for His blessing on their life?

Am I going to be quick to speak or quick to listen?

No one is responsible for your sanctification but you. Each day we decide the posture of our heart, our attitude, our thoughts, our words and our actions.

Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own strength! For in our weakness, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:9). On our own, we are not sufficient for this work. But praise be to God that our sufficiency comes from Him (2 Cor. 3:5).

Sanctification seems complicated, but it really isn’t. It's choosing the way of Jesus over the way of our flesh. This way may be counter-cultural and unpopular, but it’s the way we are called to walk. If we love God, we will do what He says, no matter the cost.

🕊 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17