SANCTIFICATION
The Greek word (hag-ee-as-mos'); translated “sanctification”, denotes "separation or setting apart as positionally holy unto God. In defining this term, it must be noted that the attribute of holiness is exclusively ascribed to God; thus man in and of his actions, is incapable of being holy or producing sanctification (Romans 3:10, 23). With this in mind, it must be established that man has no input into sanctification; this being totally an act of God in which man is not a participator. Many believe that their practices constitute their status of holiness. When in actuality to be sanctified is a position not a practice. This is contrary to what is taught in much of Christendom today. Most teach that sanctification is a spiritual phenomenon, which can be measured in the natural, utilizing physical means as a standard of comparison to their state of holiness. Progressive sanctification is an erroneous doctrine which teaches that there are different stages of sanctification.
We are considered as holy and without blame before God simply because we were chosen in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4,5). As members of His body we are identified with Him. This identity ascribed as holiness, belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus just as righteousness is imputed unto the elect, sanctification is the act of God “separating or setting apart” selected ones (by Him) to His glory (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2Thessaionians 2:13; 1Peter 1:2).
1Corinthians 6:11 teaches that the Spirit of God washed, justified and sanctified the elect in eternity. Observe that all of the verbs in this verse of scripture (washed, justified, sanctified) as viewed utilizing the Greek grammar, are in the indicative mood (statement of fact), aorist tense (past completed action) and passive voice (action is received). Thus the essence of sanctification is something that every believer possesses positionally aside from ones personal conduct. The progression of matured conduct in those sanctified; is substantial testimony to God’s holy attributes being practically developed in His “saints”.
Many misapprehend maturation (the process of continuous transformation of the moral and spiritual character of the believer) with sanctification (the separated position in Christ Jesus).
The Greek noun
hag'-ee-os rendered “saint”, denotes one who is positionally sanctified (holy), It is exclusively by the means of election that we are separated unto God (made saints); based solely on the merit of Jesus Christ and our identification with Him. Accordingly, good moral conduct plays a very important role in testimony of this identification, however has nothing to do with our position of sanctification, which was established in eternity, as was every other aspect of our salvation. See Sanctification; Position or Practice.