Sanctification vs Justification

[B-A-C]

Justification and Sanctification: What is the Difference?

by Matt Slick (carm.org)

Understanding the difference between justification and sanctification can be as important as understanding the difference between salvation and damnation.
Rightly dividing between the two is of crucial importance. When you understand what they are, you can then draw a line in the sand and say, "This is
what saves. This is not what saves."
Justification is the work of God where the righteousness of Jesus is reckoned to the sinner so the sinner is declared by God as being righteous under the
Law (Rom. 4:3; 5:1,9; Gal. 2:16; 3:11). This righteousness is not earned or retained by any effort of the saved. Justification is an instantaneous
occurrence with the result being eternal life. It is based completely and solely upon Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24) and is received by
faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9). No works are necessary whatsoever to obtain justification. Otherwise, it is not a gift (Rom. 6:23). Therefore, we are
justified by faith (Romans 5:1).

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's work and being conformed to the image of Christ. This conforming to Christ involves the work
of the person. But it is still God working in the believer to produce more of a godly character and life in the person who has already been justified
(Phil. 2:13). Sanctification is not instantaneous because it is not the work of God alone. The justified person is actively involved in submitting to
God's will, resisting sin, seeking holiness, and working to be more godly (Gal. 5:22-23). Significantly, sanctification has no bearing on justification.
That is, even if we don't live a perfect life, we are still justified.

Where justification is a legal declaration that is instantaneous, sanctification is a process. Where justification comes from outside of us, from God,
sanctification comes from God within us by the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Bible. In other words, we contribute to sanctification
through our efforts. In contrast, we do not contribute to our justification through our efforts.

Now, there is one more point of clarification. To sanctify also means to set apart for holy use. Therefore we can have verses that talk about us being
sanctified already because God has set us apart for holy use.

John 10:36, "do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?"
Rom. 15:16, "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might
become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
1 Cor. 1:2, "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every
place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours."
1 Cor. 6:11, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and in the Spirit of our God."
1 Tim. 4:4-5, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means
of the word of God and prayer."
Heb. 2:11, "For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren."

All that we need is given to us in Christ. So there is one sense in which we are not yet completely formed into the image of Christ (sanctification of
being made like Jesus), yet in another sense we are because we are seen as "in Christ", set apart for holy use where all of where all our spiritual needs
and purposes are met through Jesus.
Does this mean that those justified by grace can sin as much as they want?

Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it?"

1 Thess. 4:7 says, "God has called us not for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification."

The Scriptures teach us that we are to live holy lives and avoid sin (Col. 1:5-11). Just because we are saved and eternally justified before God (John 10:28), that is no
excuse to continue in the sin from which we were saved. Of course, we all sin (Rom. 3:23). But the war between the saved and sin is continuous (Rom. 7:14-20) and it won't be until the return of Jesus that we will be delivered from this body of death (Rom. 7:24). To seek sin continually and use God's grace to excuse it later is to trample the blood of Christ underfoot (Heb. 10:29) and to reveal the person's true sinful, unsaved nature (1 John 2:4; 2:19). (Other verses worth checking out are: Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; and 1 Pet. 2:21-22.)
What the cults do with justification and sanctification

The cults consistently blur the meanings of the two terms and misapply the truths taught in God's word. The result is a theology of works righteousness,
of earning their salvation which only leads to damnation. This is because by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified (Gal. 2:16). Man cannot
contribute to his salvation (Gal. 5:1-8). Man is sinful and even his best deeds are stained and filthy before God (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, making a
person right before God can only be God's work (Gal. 2:20).

Typically, in cult theologies, a person is not justified (declared righteous in God's eyes) until the final day of judgment when his works are weighed and
a reward is given or he is found worthy of his place with God. Thus, a person with this errant theology can not claim 1 John 5:13 as his own which says,
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe
on the name of the Son of God."

Contextually, "These things" refers to loving God, being obedient to Him, belief in Christ, and eternal life in Jesus. Therefore, 1 John 5:13 can be
considered a test. If you are believing and doing the right things, then you will know if you have eternal life. Can a cultist know he has eternal life?
No. He cannot. But a Christian can.

People in cults don't understand the difference between justification and sanctification. Therefore, they must depend upon a cooperative effort with God
to have their sins forgiven which is, essentially, combining the filthy works of man (Isaiah 64:6) with the holy work of God. They don't mix. They
can't. Hence, salvation is by grace through faith, alone. To believe anything else is to miss salvation.

 

[james1523]

Understanding the difference between justification and sanctification can be as important as understanding the difference between salvation and damnation.
Rightly dividing between the two is of crucial importance. When you understand what they are, you can then draw a line in the sand and say, "This is
what saves. This is not what saves."

I assume salvation here is referring to salvation from eternal torment in the Lake of Fire.
I would just like to point out that the emphasis of the scriptures and in fact all true Christians, is not only upon being saved from the Lake of Fire as this is a rather simple thing, (only believe in your heart and confess with your mouth you will be saved).. but upon enduring to the end, and most of all, to hear from the Lord "I accept you and approve of the way you lived your life". A true lover of Christ cares more about Christ's opinion of them than their eternal destination. Protestant Christianity in general has this outward emphasis on the individual person's needs to "get saved", and then God's will in terms of entire sanctification, transformation and glorification is largely forgotten or ignored. But even though there is a difference between justification and sanctification.. the difference is not so clear as "saved" and "unsaved", there is no line in the sand between justification and sanctification. We may be saved from the lake of fire but if not sanctified.. do we really want to suffer loss and so be barely saved "as through fire"? (1 Cor 3:15), this is not a pleasant thing. Do we wish to be appointed for all eternity to a low position in the kingdom of God (Matt 5:19) or cast out from the presence of the Lord into outer darkness, as an unfaithful servant with much weeping and gnashing of teeth? (matt 25:30). Even though we are saved from the Lake of Fire, we must not think there are no consequences for not living a sanctified life...as sanctification IS God's will - 1 Thess 4:3 , and disobeying God's will carries punishment. Justification is related to belief.. sanctification is related to obedience.

Col 1:9,10 "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"

 

[B-A-C]

Do we wish to be appointed for all eternity to a low position in the kingdom of God

Which brings up the reasons for sanctification.

1. To bear good fruit. ( Matt 3:8; Matt 3:10; Matt 7:19; Luke 3:9; Luke 8:15; John 15:2-16; Rom 7:4; )

2. To do the works God has ordained for us. ( Matt 5:16; John 9:4; Eph 2:10; 1 Tim 2:10; 1 Tim 6:18; Jas 2:20; )
-- These are not "works of the law" to obtain salvation ( Gal 2:16; Gal 3:2; Gal 3:5; )

3. To be a light, to be salt, to be an example of Godly living to the world. ( Matt 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34; 1 Pet 4:3-4; )

4. To become more Holy, more righteous in Christ. ( Rom 8:13; 1 Cor 9:27; Heb 12:11; 2 Tim 2:21; Rev 3:19; )

* 5. As mentioned above, to earn rewards and a higher standing in the kingdom of God, and even in heaven. ( 1 Cor 3:12-15; )
(Matt 5:12; Matt 6:4; 1 Cor 3:8; Col 3:24; 2 Jn 1:8; )

It may seem like there are many purposes for this and there are, but ultimately they lead to one purpose.
The amazing thing about God desgned all this is how it all fits together. For example bearing fruit and being salt
is a way to lead others to Christ, if we are living the same way the world is living, why would anyone want to get saved?
If they see someone who has overcome drug addiction, alcoholism, being abusive, divorce or whatever it may be, then they
have a reason to want to get saved. If we can become more Holy, more loving, more compassionate towards these people
then they have a reason to wonder what is different about us and how do they get that? We all have some testimony of
something that changed in us after we have been a Christian for a while.

Jesus came to save souls, he told us to go out and preach to the world, this doesn't mean you have to go to Borneo
and become a missionary, you can be a missionary by the way you live right here in your own home town. ( Matt 9:37; )

I put an asterisk in front of number 5 above.
In the Bible it says some Christians will get different rewards.
-- Some of us will get a crown of life or a crown of Glory ( 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; )
-- Some will receive robes of righteousness ( Rev 6:11; )
-- Some will inherit the Kingdom of God ( Matt 25:34; )
-- Some will reign with Christ for a thousand years ( Rev 20:6; )
-- Some will reign over the earth ( Rev 5:10; )
-- Some will reign forever and ever ( Rev 22:5; )
-- Some will be called "sons of God" ( Matt 5:9; )
-- Some will be pillars in the New Jerusalem ( Rev 3:12; )

There are other examples not included here, for example there will be an order of seating at Christ's table in heaven. ( Luke 14:8-10; )
I don't think this is in the Bible anywhere, but I've heard some preachers say the "many mansions" in John 14:2; might be different sizes
depending on your office and reward in heaven. Maybe some will get a penthouse on the top level, maybe some will get a studio apartment
on the bottom.

Back to the asterisk on number 5 above. Be careful for your motivation for doing things.
If you are tryingto further your kingdom, you will get no reward. The Bible talks about those who do things in front of people
to get noticed, they pray loundly on the street corners, and groan when they fast, and make a show of giving so they will be noticed
by men. The Bible says these people already have their rewards. On the other hand, if your are seeking to further God's Kingdom,
he will reward you as he deems you worthy.

The thief on the cross, went to paradise. In Matt 20:1-15; we see that even though the worker came at the eleventh hour of his life,
he received the wage of salvation like everyone else. However, he didn't receive the same rewards as everyone else.

Luke 19:16 "The first appeared, saying, 'Master, your mina has made ten minas more.'
Luke 19:17 "And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.'
Luke 19:18 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, master, has made five minas.'
Luke 19:19 "And he said to him also, 'And you are to be over five cities.'

Remember when you face the trials of life, as we all do. ( Jas 1:2; 1 Pet 1:6; )
This could lead to more rewards in heaven. ( Heb 11:35; )

 

[james1523]

There are other examples not included here, for example there will be an order of seating at Christ's table in heaven. ( Luke 14:8-10; )
I don't think this is in the Bible anywhere, but I've heard some preachers say the "many mansions" in John 14:2; might be different sizes
depending on your office and reward in heaven. Maybe some will get a penthouse on the top level, maybe some will get a studio apartment
on the bottom.

It could be... I'm not sure why it's translated mansions in some versions, in others, it is abodes.. dwelling place. When if we see the context it makes it clearer. The Lord is speaking about His death and resurrection. The disciples were troubled that Jesus said he would be leaving them. So He reassured them that they would be together again once more. John 14:3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.".

Here is a possible allusion to Christ's death and resurrection in 3 days:
Numbers 10:33 So they set out from the mountain of the LORD and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest.

The Lord went to the cross, died and resurrected and ascended into heaven to find a place for us to rest.

God's dwelling place, the house that He is building is not something dead and physical like a building, it is really the living Body of Christ:
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

When Jesus said He was "going to prepare a place", He meant He was going to the cross, be resurrected and ascend into Heaven to deal with all the sins and everything that stops God and mankind dwelling together. Because of this He has made it possible for them , and us, to have a position as a member of the Body of Christ. The Father's house can refer to the Body of Christ.. the many abodes in the Father's house is us, each member of the Body of Christ. What then could be our position in the Father's house? What is the difference between a mansion and studio apartment? Could it be how far we are away from the presence of the Lord? The Lord would only want the most faithful of His own to be the closest to Himself.

Also compare the verses on living stones:
1 Peter 2:5 "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

We are living stones that the Father is building into His house.. and Christ is the foundation stone of this building.

Christ said he will make some of us pillars:

Rev 3:12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.

Of course this does not mean they will be actual pillars.. and neither is God's temple an actual physical temple. God's heavenly temple is a temple of resurrected, transformed and glorified human beings. God's temple on earth is us, the church. Pillars are those believers with a special supporting role in this "temple".

The use of words such as cities, building, stones.. are highly symbolic for spiritual realities. Christ was often speaking in physical, natural terms to explain deep spiritual truths.

So God's purpose, in sanctification, is actually higher than salvation, is higher than the salvation of others, although it is important. Salvation is not the end, it is the means to an end. By salvation we become a member of the Body of Christ and become a living stone in the house of God. God's purpose is actually to build a corporate dwelling place for Himself consisting of resurrected, transformed and glorified human believers. The Bible in Genesis starts with God and man dwelling together.. and in Revelation ends with God and man dwelling together. God has always wanted a home with man and man has always (even subconsciously) wanted a home with God. He speaks of Christ - 2 Sam 7:13 "He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever." "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. ~ St Augustine.

 

[Chad]

Justification is the work of God where the righteousness of Jesus is reckoned to the sinner so the sinner is declared by God as being righteous under the
Law (Rom 4:3; 5:1, 9 Gal 2:16; 3:11). This righteousness is not earned or retained by any effort of the saved. Justification is an instantaneous
occurrence with the result being eternal life. It is based completely and solely upon Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (1 Pet 2:24) and is received by
faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). No works are necessary whatsoever to obtain justification. Otherwise, it is not a gift (Rom 6:23). Therefore, we are
justified by faith (Romans 5:1).

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's work and being conformed to the image of Christ. This conforming to Christ involves the work
of the person. But it is still God working in the believer to produce more of a godly character and life in the person who has already been justified
(Phil 2:13). Sanctification is not instantaneous because it is not the work of God alone. The justified person is actively involved in submitting to
God's will, resisting sin, seeking holiness, and working to be more godly (Gal 5:22-23). Significantly, sanctification has no bearing on justification.
That is, even if we don't live a perfect life, we are still justified.

This sums it up very well. I like the clarification, made simple to understand with no confusion.

 

[spirit1st]

Our spirit is Perfect after being Born of God , It has no problems !

1Th_4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
But the flesh can suffer for Sins ?

The Vessel is our flesh body of course !
1Th_4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

1Th_5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He Expects Us to keep our Flesh under control 1 It wants to sin !

 

[james1523]

Our spirit is Perfect after being Born of God , It has no problems !

Basically, yes, but there is a part that can have problems..the conscience which is part of the spirit, that can have problems and needs to be renewed. A common problem even for Christians is self-condemnation in the conscience!

 

[Chad]

Basically, yes, but there is a part that can have problems..the conscience which is part of the spirit, that can have problems and needs to be renewed. A common problem even for Christians is self-condemnation in the conscience!

Let's clarify the distinction between soul and spirit, conscience, mind, heart, etc.

quotes from 2 separate Bible Questions Answered articles

The human soul is distinct from the heart (Deuteronomy 26:16; 30:6) and the spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12) and the mind (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). The human soul is created by God (Jeremiah 38:16). It can be strong or unsteady (2 Peter 2:14); it can be lost or saved (James 1:21; Ezekiel 18:4). We know that the human soul needs atonement (Leviticus 17:11) and is the part of us that is purified and protected by the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:22). Jesus is the great Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Genesis 2:7 states that man was created as a living soul. Numbers 16:22names God as the “God of the spirits” that are possessed by all mankind. Proverbs 4:23tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” indicating that the heart is central to man’s will and emotions.

A key verse is Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” This verse tells us at least two things about this debate. The soul and spirit can be divided, and the division of soul and spirit is something that only God can discern.

 

[DHC]

Hello B-A-C.

You quoted Matt Slick.

by Matt Slick (carm.org)

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's work and being conformed to the image of Christ.
This conforming to Christ involves the work of the person. sanctification is a process.
Where justification comes from outside of us, from God, sanctification comes from God within us by the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Bible.

1 Cor. 1:2, "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every
place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." ( "have been sanctified" is past tense")

1 Cor. 6:11, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and in the Spirit of our God." ("but you were sanctified" again past tense)

If it is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ, why does the
scripture state the process in the past tense??

 

[B-A-C]

1 Cor 6:11, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and in the Spirit of our God." ("but you were sanctified" again past tense)

If it is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ, why does the
scripture state the process in the past tense??

Because these are people that USED to live a certain way.

1 Cor 6:9; Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1 Cor 6:10; nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:11; Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Verse 11 doesn't say such ARE some of you, it says such WERE some of you. If you are still living that way, you are not sanctified.

Another example that shows sanctification and justification are not the same thing is...

1 Cor 7:14; For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy.
1 Cor 7:15; Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace.
1 Cor 7:16; For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

In verse 14 we see unbelievers can become more sanctified. Because of the influence of their spouse, they might stop smoking, cursing drinking, etc...
But even though they are being sanctified, they still aren't a believer. In fact verse 16 goes on to say, how do you know that if by being a good example to
your spouse that they might eventually come to salvation. Sanctification is not salvation, salvation is not sanctification.

John 3:18; "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

If you aren't a believer, all the sanctification in the world won't help you. On the other hand, if you are a believer, but you haven't been sanctified yet....

Heb 12:14; Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
Heb 12:15; See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

 

[spirit1st]

1Co_15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.


Flesh and blood are not part of GOD Kingdom ! there are No perfect flesh people on the face of the Earth !

We Must understand ? Only Perfect Spirit beings are part of GOD Family and Household and Kingdom !

doth corruption inherit incorruption

1Pe_1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Jn_3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.


Only our Spirit can be Born of GOD !

Rom_9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God:

Heb_12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

i know Many think our flesh minds and bodies should live perfect lives `! They CANNOT !

But , We can overcome our weak sin filled flesh if we want too ?

That why He tells not to be judging each others always ? Man seems to want to ap[pear perfect in the flesh , judging others lesss than they are ?
But many want to make others things sins or close to a sin by there judgment , Not GOD living words !

It hard enough , not sinning ! Without finding things that are not Sin , SIN !

This is a flaw , satan using to cause division in the true church ! We are Born into sin and the flesh mind and body dies in Sin !




I personally Do Not believe we should be fellowshipping with those who are doing sin all the times as if it ok ! IT NOT OK




Not too say we should not try to help those who want help who are bound by Sins ? We should always when telling others things that we do not like or is Sin ! Humbllly in LOVE ! Not as if we are some big deal ! None of us Are ! And we will All need love and mercy from others sooner or later !
The Creator of all that was ever created , came as a servant not LORDING over others ! He our Perfect example ! We Follow HIM 100%

 

[B-A-C]

I personally Do Not believe we should be fellowshipping with those who are doing sin all the times as if it ok ! IT NOT OK

What's worse than doing it yourself? Teaching others to do it.

Matt 18:6; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matt 18:7; "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!

 

[Barny]

Because these are people that USED to live a certain way.

1 Cor 6:9; Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1 Cor 6:10; nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:11; Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Verse 11 doesn't say such ARE some of you, it says such WERE some of you. If you are still living that way, you are not sanctified

.

Hi B-A-C,

1Cor 6:11; refers to those who were in unbelief. And it's description of their former lives is speaking in spiritual terms of their position when they were in darkness/without Christ.

But when they received Jesus they were sanctified through his offering.
Heb 10:10
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

If God says "we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all", then why do you suggest Christ's sacrifice did not complete the sanctification properly? Why doubt God and say we still have to go through a process until we see evidence in physical behavior? And why do you think we could ever attain perfection in physical behavior in this life anyway?

God says we walk by faith and not by sight.

If you aren't a believer, all the sanctification in the world won't help you. On the other hand, if you are a believer, but you haven't been sanctified yet....

Heb 12:14; Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
Heb 12:15; See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

To pursue sanctification/holiness means to continue to believe in Jesus. This is how we were sanctified in the first place. We have to endure to the end, holding on to God's promise, believing in Jesus.
It is those who fall in to unbelief who are not sanctified/holy.

 

[james1523]

Let's clarify the distinction between soul and spirit, conscience, mind, heart, etc.

quotes from 2 separate Bible Questions Answered articles

The human soul is distinct from the heart (Deuteronomy 26:16; 30:6) and the spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12) and the mind (Matt 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). The human soul is created by God (Jeremiah 38:16). It can be strong or unsteady (2 Peter 2:14); it can be lost or saved (James 1:21; Ezekiel 18:4). We know that the human soul needs atonement (Leviticus 17:11) and is the part of us that is purified and protected by the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:22). Jesus is the great Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Genesis 2:7 states that man was created as a living soul. Numbers 16:22names God as the “God of the spirits” that are possessed by all mankind. Proverbs 4:23tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” indicating that the heart is central to man’s will and emotions.

A key verse is Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” This verse tells us at least two things about this debate. The soul and spirit can be divided, and the division of soul and spirit is something that only God can discern.

Yes that's basically correct in my understanding. Mankind is created with body, soul, spirit. The soul has 3 functions.. mind (thoughts), emotions (feelings), will (intentions). The human spirit has 3 functions..conscience, fellowship and intuition. Sin can actually affect the 3 functions of conscience, fellowship and intuition.

Heart is distinct but not separate from soul or spirit - heart refers to both soul and spirit together. Heb 4:12 refers to judging the thoughts of the heart by dividing soul and spirit which are components of the heart. This means that both the thoughts and intentions will be judged. The heart is soul plus conscience, part of our spirit. Man's body, soul and spirit are not so separated.. they are all joined. If the body gets sick the soul and spirit can get sick too. Sickness in the mind can also affect the body. If we fill our minds with evil things, our conscience, part of our spirit, will be affected. If evil affects one part of man it can affect the other parts of man. They are like 3 overlapping rings, or like the Trinity diagram..as man was created in the Trinity's image. But.. just as "God is One".. and not 3 Gods.. humans are one.. and not 3 distinct parts called spirit, soul, body. Call co-exist together.

Sometimes, inaccuracy or carelessness in translating the words of the bible into English in some bible versions can result in the terms for soul, spirit, heart etc being confused.
But I believe the following from The Spiritual Man, Vol. 1, Part 1, INTRODUCTION ON SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY, Ch. 2, by Watchman Nee is accurate.

A) The Function of Conscience in Man’s Spirit
“The Lord your God hardened his spirit” Deut. 2.30
“Saves the crushed in spirit” Ps. 34.18
“Put a new and right spirit within me” Ps. 51.10
“When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit” John 13.21
“His spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” Acts 17.16
“It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God” Rom. 8.16
“I am present in spirit, and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment” 1 Cor. 5.3
“I had no rest in my spirit” 2 Cor. 2.13 AV
“For God did not give us the spirit of timidity” 2 Tim. 1.7

B) The Function of Intuition in Man’s Spirit
“The spirit indeed is willing” Matt. 26.41
“Jesus perceiving in his spirit” Mark 2.8
“He sighed deeply in his spirit” Mark 8.12
“He was deeply moved in spirit” John 11.33
“Paul was pressed in the spirit” Acts 18.5 AV
“Being fervent in spirit” Acts 18.25
“I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the spirit” Acts 20.22
“What person knows a man’s thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him” 1 Cor. 2.11
“They refreshed my spirit as well as yours” 1 Cor. 16.18
“His spirit was refreshed by you all” 2 Cor. 7.13 AV

C) The Function of Communion in Man’s Spirit
“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1.47
“The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” John 4.23
“Whom I serve with my spirit” Rom. 1.9
“We serve . . . in the new life of the spirit” Rom. 7.6
“You have received the spirit of sonship when we cry Abba Father” Rom. 8.15
“The Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit” Rom. 8.16
“He who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him” 1 Cor. 6.17
“I will sing with the spirit” 1 Cor. 14.15
“If you bless with the spirit” 1 Cor. 14.16
“In the spirit he carried me away” Rev 21.10

But the unregenerated spirit functions differently, and more similar to the soul:
“His spirit was troubled” Gen. 41.8
“Then their spirit was appeased toward him” Judges 8.3 Darby
“He that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” Prov. 14.29 Darby
“A downcast spirit dries up the bones” Prov. 17.22
“Those who err in spirit” Is. 29.24
“And shall wail for anguish of spirit” Is. 65.14
“His spirit was hardened” Dan. 5.20

 

[DHC]

Have a read through the following verses and decide for yourself.

Is sanctification wrought by God or by man?

Is sanctification a life long process as some believe?

Sanctify means to set apart, in Christ you become the children of God
by which you cry "father". You are set apart in Christ hence you are
sanctified fully in Christ. You only reflect what Christ has already done.
A light on a hill merely burns with the Spirit of God within.

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

Romans 15:16
that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God,
that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and
sanctification and redemption.

Hebrews 2:11
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason
He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Hebrews 10:10
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

Jude 1:1
Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot,
counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning
chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1 Peter 1:2
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the
blood of Jesus Christ:Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

 

[DHC]

i know Many think our flesh minds and bodies should live perfect lives `! They CANNOT !

Yes Spirit1st I agree totally, the flesh has to die just like a seed
before the fruit will become evident. Love from a pure heart which
is a gift of the Spirit is this fruit. Perfection in the Christian
life is not developing a sinless self, but developing a humble loving
heart. This spirit within is turbo charged by the Holy Spirit to
produce the fruit within the church of Christ.

 

[B-A-C]

1 Cor 6:11; efers to those who were in unbelief. And it's description of their former lives is speaking in spiritual terms of their position when they were in darkness/without Christ.

Where do you get this? That it incorrect.
It specifically says what there former sins were. in verses 9 and 10. There are many sins mentioned there, but unbelief isn't one of them.
You need to quit adding things that aren't there.

 

[B-A-C]

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

Romans 15:16
that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God,
that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Hebrews 2:11
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason
He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Hebrews 10:10
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

Jude 1:1
Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot,
counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning
chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1 Peter 1:2
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the
blood of Jesus Christ:Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Act 26:18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'

To receive sanctification and forgiveness, you have to turn from darkness first.

Rom 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Pauls preaching to the Gentiles "may become" sanctified. If he didn't do the work of preaching, there would be nothing to be sanctified.

1 Cor 6:11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Verses 9 and 10 before this list the sins they quit doing in order to become sanctified.

I notice your version of Hebrews 10:14 above says "being" sanctified, as in not finished yet.
(NLT) Heb 10:14 For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

 

[Barny]

Act 26:18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'

To receive sanctification and forgiveness, you have to turn from darkness first.

Rom 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Pauls preaching to the Gentiles "may become" sanctified. If he didn't do the work of preaching, there would be nothing to be sanctified.

1 Cor 6:11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Verses 9 and 10 before this list the sins they quit doing in order to become sanctified.

I notice your version of Hebrews 10:14 above says "being" sanctified, as in not finished yet.
(NLT) Heb 10:14 For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

You focus so much on physical good behavior that you misunderstand scriptures.
You quote scriptures claiming they speak of a process of "being" sanctified, but you misunderstand that the context of these scriptures is regarding those who are were non-believers and have then received Christ, thus they have been sanctified through his offering, Heb 10:10.

Your belief of the "process" of sanctification suggests that God contradicts Himself. God does not contradict Himself.
Heb 10:10
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

But, then you deny this scripture and the others DHC quoted with your claim that sanctification is a process instead.

 

[Chad]

@Barny and @DHC

Read Philippians 2:13.

You are *justified* by what Christ did on the Cross. You are Sanctified through life, through trials, experience, by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture is very clear

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
What do you think works in you means? Sanctifying us.

Also note what the article quotes on being Sanctified for holy use (set apart). He's using both aspects of past tense and future. That is, it is a life long process either way.

To sanctify also means to set apart for holy use. Therefore we can have verses that talk about us being sanctified already because God has set us apart for holy use.

• John 10:36, "do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?"
• Rom. 15:16, "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
• 1 Cor. 1:2, "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours."
• 1 Cor. 6:11, "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God."
• 1 Tim. 4:4-5, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer."
• Heb. 2:11, "For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren."