Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sanctification is central to understanding the excellency and glory of the Church. Sanctification refers to the process by which believers are set apart for God's purposes and are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is both a definitive act and a continuous process, reflecting the holiness and purity that God desires for His people.Biblical Foundation Sanctification is rooted in the holiness of God and His call for His people to be holy. In Leviticus 20:26, God declares, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." This call to holiness is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives that reflect their sanctified status. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor." The Role of Christ and the Holy Spirit The sanctification of the Church is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit. In Hebrews 10:10, it is stated, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This definitive sanctification is complemented by the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:13: "But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth." The Church as a Holy Community The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy community that reflects God's glory. Ephesians 5:25-27 illustrates this beautifully: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage underscores the Church's identity as a sanctified and glorious entity, set apart for God's purposes. Practical Implications Sanctification has practical implications for the life of the Church and its members. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness involves a commitment to moral purity, love, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in every aspect of life. The Church's Witness to the World The sanctification of the Church serves as a powerful witness to the world. As believers live out their sanctified lives, they demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus exhorts His followers, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." In summary, the excellency and glory of the Church are profoundly linked to its sanctification. Through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the Church is set apart as a holy community, called to reflect God's glory and bear witness to His transformative power in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:26,27That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... The Son and the Angels. Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. " The Object of Theology Recommendation. The Priesthood of Christ Christ the Believer's Husband "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " section second. Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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