Role of Christ in the Sanctification Process
The role of Christ in the sanctification process is central to Christian theology, as He is both the source and means of believers' consecration to God. Sanctification, broadly defined, is the process by which a person is set apart for God's service and made holy [2]. It involves more than mere moral reformation; it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the entire human nature under the influence of new gracious principles implanted during regeneration [1].
Scripture indicates that Christ Himself effects sanctification [2]. The author of Hebrews states that Jesus suffered "outside the gate" to "sanctify the people through his own blood" [Hebrews 13:12]. This act of atonement cleanses believers from sin and consecrates them to God [6]. Furthermore, Christ is identified as the one "made of God unto us...sanctification" [1 Corinthians 1:30, KJV]. This suggests that sanctification is not merely something Christ does, but something He is for believers. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, understood sanctification as the "Laver, the Purification," emphasizing that believers are freed from uncleanness not by their own deeds but by God's loving-kindness through Christ [3].
The process of sanctification is also closely linked to the Word of God. Jesus prayed for His disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" [John 17:17, KJV]. Matthew Henry interprets this as a prayer for the confirmation and completion of the work of sanctification already begun in them, leading to their preservation [5]. The apostle Paul likewise speaks of Christ cleansing and sanctifying the Church "with the washing of water by the word" [Ephesians 5:26, KJV]. Adam Clarke notes that this imagery alludes to ancient purification rituals, signifying Christ's preparation of the Church for Himself [4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sanctification — Is separation to the service of God -- Ps 4:3; 2Co 6:17. Effected by God. -- Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1:1. Christ. -- Heb 2:11; 13:12. The Holy Spirit. -- Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11. In Christ -- 1Co 1:2. Through the atonement of Christ -- Heb 10:10; 13:12. Through the word of God -- Joh 17:17,19; Eph 5:26. Christ made, of God, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Saints elected to salvation through -- 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2. All saints are in a state of -- Ac 20:32; 26:18; 1Co 6:11. The Church made glorious by -- Eph 5:26,27. Should lead to Mortification of sin. -- 1Th 4:3,4. Ho”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: names of men he findeth no place for. But what is Sanctification? The Laver, the Purification. For he reminds them of their own uncleanness, from which he had freed them; and so persuades them to lowliness of mind; for not by their own good deeds, but by the loving-kindness of God, had they been sanctified. “Called to be Saints.” For even this, to be saved by faith, is not saith he, of yourselves; for ye did not first draw near, but were called; so that not even this small matter is yours altogether. However, though you had drawn near, accountabl”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 5:26: That he might sanctify and cleanse it - The Church is represented as the spouse of Christ, as the woman is the spouse of the man; and, to prepare this Church for himself, he washes, cleanses, and sanctifies it. There is certainly an allusion here to the ancient method of purifying women, who were appointed to be consorts to kings; twelve months, it appears, were in some instances spent in this purification: Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with other things, for the purifying of women. See the case of Esther, Est 2:12; see also Ps”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 17:17: The next thing he prayed for for them was that they might be sanctified; not only kept from evil, but made good. I. Here is the petition (Joh 17:17): Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth; it is true - it is truth itself. He desires they may be sanctified, 1. As Christians. Father, make them holy, and this will be their preservation, Th1 5:23. Observe here, (1.) The grace desired - sanctification. The disciples were sanctified, for they were not of the world; yet he prays, Father sanctify them, that is, [1.] "Confirm the work of s”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:12: Wherefore Jesus--In order that the Antitype might fulfil the type. sanctify--Though not brought into the temple "sanctuary" (Heb 13:11) His blood has been brought into the heavenly sanctuary, and "sanctifies the people" (Heb 2:11, Heb 2:17), by cleansing them from sin, and consecrating them to God. his own--not blood of animals. without the gate--of Jerusalem; as if unworthy of the society of the covenant-people. The fiery ordeal of His suffering on the cross, answers to the burning of the victims; thereby His mere fleshly life was completely d”