Sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion: noun, sounds like “saŋ(k)-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən” … not to be confused with “sank·a·va·ca·tion,” which sounds more like my daughter’s interpretation.

(This post article is also posted in the Gospel Blog by FEBC at http://bit.ly/13vG5Iy.)

I don’t pretend to be a theologian or philosopher. But I am a curious learner who wants―needs―to know how God’s truths work in daily, practical matters. So to make this concept clearer, I consulted Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament.

The translated Greek word Hagiasmos is associated with purity and holiness. It signifies (1) separation to God (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2), and (2) the resultant state, the conduct befitting those so separated (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7), (3) it is translated “holiness” in Romans 6:19, 22; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:14, (4) Sanctification is thus the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it. (5) Hence they are called “saints.”

“Saints”―really? Now that’s a difficult concept for me to wrap my head around. I’m very aware of the times I mess up and sin. How can a holy God view someone like me as a saint?

God reminds me: I can’t live the Christian life by my own efforts. Sanctification/holiness results solely from His Holy Spirit working in my life. I do have a choice, however, whether I grow or regress in my Christian journey.

For my next five posts, under the category Sanctification, I plan to dig deeper into the five areas listed above. Will you join me? I hope we can learn together.

What are your views and/or experiences on sanctification?