Sanctification is the process by which Christians are set apart from the world for a very important reason. Not only are we separated from sin and sinful living but by God’s will, we are made pure and holy.
Sanctification requires us to leave sin behind. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians 4 that it requires us to “abstain from sexual immorality” (4:3) and that we have been called, not “for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification” (4:7).
Sanctification requires that we obey God’s commands. In the first two verses of chapter 4, Paul reminds us to not only follow the instructions received from the apostles and to please God, but to “excel” in these things.
Sanctification comes from God. In verse 3, Paul tells us that our sanctification is God’s will. Paul later writes that those who reject God’s commands reject sanctification and reject God Himself (4:8).
Sanctification prepares us for eternity. As Paul’s letter comes to a close, he writes, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Matt Langfield