Salvation Part 4 – Sanctification

Subject: Salvation Part 4 – Sanctification

Scripture Reading: Romans 6

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4: 3

Objective: To understand what sanctification is, how it differs from justification, and how God works in us to make us holy.

Introduction: Sanctification is the ongoing work of God through His Spirit and Word to separate believers from sin and conform them to the image of Christ. It follows justification but does not replace it. Sanctification is the evidence and outworking of salvation, not the grounds of it. Justification declares us righteous; sanctification enables us to live righteously. The Greek word hagiasmos means consecration, purification, or set-apartness.

1.     How does the Bible describe our position after being justified? Romans 6: 1 - 7, Colossians 1: 13 - 14, Galatians 2: 20, 1 Peter 2: 24

2.     What is God’s will for every believer? 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 - 7, Hebrews 12: 14, 1 Peter 1: 14 – 16

3.     What role does the Word of God play in sanctification? John 17: 17, Psalm 119: 9 - 11, Ephesians 5: 25 - 27

4.     What role does the Holy Spirit play in sanctification? Romans 8: 1 - 14, Galatians 5: 16 - 25, 2 Thessalonians 2: 13, 1 Corinthians 6: 11

5.     How should believers now live in light of their sanctification? Romans 12: 1 - 2, Titus 2: 11 - 14, Philippians 2: 12 - 13, 1 John 3: 2 – 3

Note: Sanctification is Spirit-enabled, not self-produced. It emphasizes active obedience and cooperation with God’s grace, a balance between God’s work and our response.

6.     What is the end goal of sanctification? Romans 8: 28 - 30, 2 Corinthians 3: 17 - 18, 1 Thessalonians 5: 23 - 24; Revelation 22: 11

Conclusion: Sanctification is not legalism (keeping laws to earn salvation) nor license (ignoring God’s commands because we are saved). It is the fruit of salvation, demonstrating obedience from a heart of love (John 14: 15, Ezekiel 36: 27). Sanctification is not optional; all who are saved are being sanctified. It is a lifelong process where God works in us to reflect the holiness of Christ. Justification is once-for-all, but sanctification is daily. Complete sanctification, also called glorification, is guaranteed at Christ’s return.

Closing reflection: “Father, set me apart for Your purpose. Cleanse my heart through Your Word, and fill me with Your Spirit that I may walk in holiness and reflect Christ in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Summary statement: Justification declares us righteous once and for all; sanctification makes us holy over time by the power of the Word and the Spirit.