Question 350: How are you sanctified?

Answer:

I am sanctified by the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit, who unites me to Jesus Christ and transforms me into His likeness. Sanctification begins at my new birth and continues as I daily die to sin and grow in righteousness through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and obedience to God’s Word. I do not sanctify myself by my strength, but I cooperate with God’s grace, trusting Him to complete the good work He began in me. (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 8:13–14, John 17:17, Galatians 5:16–25, Philippians 2:12–13)

Full Scripture References

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (BSB)

“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:13–14 (BSB)

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” – John 17:17 (BSB)

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” – Galatians 5:16, 22–23 (BSB)

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12–13 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Sanctification is the lifelong process of being made holy through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is not accomplished by human effort alone but by the gracious activity of God in the believer. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “The Christian is not called to mere self-improvement but to Spirit-empowered transformation. Holiness is God’s work in us, and our response in faith.” (The Journey of Holiness, 2022)

The Holy Spirit plays the central role in sanctification. He convicts us of sin, gives us the desire to obey, and strengthens us to resist temptation. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “We do not grow in holiness by striving harder, but by yielding deeper. The Spirit sanctifies as we abide in Christ and obey His Word.” (The Sanctified Life, 2021)

Sanctification involves active participation. Through daily repentance, immersion in Scripture, faithful prayer, and the sacraments, we grow in grace. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “The habits of holiness—Bible reading, confession, Eucharist, service—are not optional. They are the tools by which the Spirit reshapes our souls.” (Practicing Holiness, 2020)

The Church is essential to sanctification. God uses the body of Christ to exhort, support, and correct us. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “Sanctification is not a solitary path. We are sanctified in community—through worship, fellowship, accountability, and sacramental life.” (Sanctified Together, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Sanctification is slow, often painful, but always fruitful. God chisels away sin to reveal Christ in us. Every moment of surrender is a step toward glory.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“He who is sanctified by the Spirit must not return to the works of the flesh. Let us walk as temples of God, pure and full of prayer.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on the Christian Life, c. 410 AD

“The Spirit sanctifies us by dwelling in us, teaching us to love what is holy and to flee what is profane.” – Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit, c. 375 AD

“Let the Word of God cleanse your thoughts, and the sacraments strengthen your will. For by these the soul grows in the likeness of Christ.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Philippians 2, c. 390 AD

“Sanctification is the path of the faithful—the slow conquest of the heart by grace. Each day we are changed, until glory is revealed.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Discipline of Holiness, c. 250 AD