Sanctification, Revisited

I find the issue of immediate sanctification intriguing, partly because I had not considered it before and partly because I don’t have a good answer to it. I already blogged on it once, but in reading other’s reactions to the discussion I was encouraged to continue contemplating the issue.

I did a quick search in the Bible for the word “sanctified” and was surprised with the 24 search results. They were about evenly divided between the Old and New Testament, and did not seem to be used to imply “perfect, without sin” but rather set apart. I then looked at the original Greek, and the definition of that word is:

1. To render or acknowledge,
2. To separate from profane things and dedicate to God
a. consecrate things to God
b. dedicate people to God
3. To purify
a. to cleanse externally
b. to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
c. to purify internally by renewing of the soul

This definition encouraged and confused me. None of these even talk about being free from sinning! What comes closest is the third definition, but even that talks about being free from the guilt of sin. This relieves my heart. Sanctification refers to being consecrated to God, which I believe happens in this life.

I am confused, however, because most theologians still deal with it differently. What do they understand that’s not apparent in the definition? John Piper says sanctification means obedience to Christ. “Not perfection but a growing consistency and fervor of obedience.” Other theologians talk about sanctification as both an immediate reality and a process of becoming holy.

And in regards to the command to “be holy,” I no longer find it strange that God didn’t say “try to…” and yet we can’t obey perfectly all the time. All of Jesus’ commands (Love your neighbor, Do not worry, Seek his kingdom) do not say to “try” although he certainly realized we wouldn’t follow them perfectly. Isn't it the point that we can't obey him perfectly, and yet in his grace he accepts us?

I don’t think God expects us to be perfectly without sin. Again, where would that leave constant forgiveness and grace? Jesus’ words don’t insinuate that we will never sin. But I think that’s okay. Paul certainly seems to consider it natural that we still struggle with sin. I think God still receives much glory from a people who are “growing in consistency and fervor of obedience.” It’s a struggle to fully rid ourselves from our corrupt hearts, but as we win the struggle He is honored. Our complete and final perfection will come when we reach Heaven. This is just the pre-season.

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