In biblical theology what is sanctification?

In biblical theology sanctification is the separation and setting apart of persons, places, days, seasons, and objects used for worshipping God. To sanctify anything is to declare that it belongs to God and is therefore holy.

Sanctification when used of persons has a threefold meaning:

1. In position believers are eternally set apart for God by redemption and are positionally, therefore, saints and holy from the moment of believing.

Hebrews 10:14 "For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

2. In experience the believer is being sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures.

Ephesians 5:25-27 "... as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

3. In consummation the believer's complete sanctification awaits the appearing of the Lord.

1Thessalonians 3:13 "To the end He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."