What is sanctification?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 35. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

   But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (NET)

2. Ephesians 4:23-24

   ²³to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. (NET)

3. Romans 6:4, 6

   ⁴Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life. ⁶We know that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin would no longer dominate us, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (NET)

4. Romans 8:1

   There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

Sanctification is the work of God's free grace making his people holy. We are renewed in the whole person after the image of God, and we are enabled more and more to die to sin and live to righteousness. The words 'more and more' show that it is a growing work through the Christian life.

What can we ask our children?

1. What does the word 'holy' mean?
2. Does sanctification happen all at once or little by little?
3. What is one sin you want God to help you turn from?