Sanctification is a state of mind and heart, inducing a will to be holy (John 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:26; 1 Thess. 4:3-7; 1 Pet 3:15). It is a course of life befitting those who have been sanctified (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14).
Sanctification is the relationship with God which is entered into by faith in Christ (Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 6:11).
Sanctification in the New Testament is when the believer is separated from evil things and ways.
Sanctification is the will of God for us (1 Thess. 4:3) where His purpose is made manifest and learned through the gospel (1 Thess. 4:4, 7). It must be pursued by the believer earnestly and undeviatingly (1 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14).
Holy character is neither vicariously transferred, nor imputed, it is an individual possession, built up little by little as a result of obedience to the word of God and following Christ as the true example (Matt. 11:29; John 13:15; Eph. 4:20; Phil 2:5).
Sanctification is a choice proceeding from the acceptance of the gospel by an individual. Sanctification is not an attainment. It is a state into which God, in his grace, calls sinful mankind wherein they begin their walk as Christians (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1).
–Beth Johnson
–Beth Johnson