by Jonathan Bennett
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,
that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous
light;” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV). This verse that may cause some people to stop and re-read it, especially
if reading it from the King James Version which uses “peculiar people” in the place of “His own
special people.” What is Peter saying in this passage, and why would the King James Version
utilize such a phrase? This portion of Scripture is speaking of God’s children being set apart from
the world, or sanctified. One may ask, “What does the word ‘sanctified’ mean?” Truly, the
definition of the word must first be known.
The word “sanctified” according to Webster’s Dictionary, means “to set apart to a sacred
purpose or to religious use or to be free from sin.” In 1 Peter 2:9 it is crucial to understand that
Peter is telling Christians everywhere, until the end of time, that they have been sanctified by Christ
for His eternal purpose. The reason Jesus came to earth and died a vicarious death upon the cross
was to ensure that everyone who follows His commands will be sanctified and prepared to stand
before His judgement seat on the day of judgement.
Sanctification is easily attained but maintaining it is a lifelong process. The sanctification of
Jesus Christ is the forgiveness of one’s sins, if they are willing to submit to His will. There are
numerous passages in the Old and New Testament that speak of being “sanctified,” but our focus
is on its use in the New Testament, where it is used 16 times. The word “sanctification” is used 5
times in the New Testament as well. Most of time when “sanctified” or “sanctification” is used the
emphasis is to be free from sin and set apart from the world.
So, how does being sanctified, or sanctification, coincide with Christianity? Referring to
“His own special people,” suggests the submitting of one’s life to the Lord, which is the beginning
of sanctification. When a responsible person hears the word of God (Romans 10:17), believes
(Romans 10:10), repents of past sins (Acts 2:38), confesses Christ before men (Romans 10:10)
and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38) the Lord adds that person to
His Church (Acts 2:41,47). The soul that the Lord adds to His church is sanctified meaning the
slate is wiped clean and set apart from the world, though still in it, as seen in John 15:19: “If ye
were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose
you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
Forcing oneself to not be “of the world” can be difficult at times, due to society treating
many sins as though they are not serious, and classifying sin as “big” and “small” or even making
reference to a “little white lie.” Sanctification is a lifelong process that includes one being in
complete control of their temper (Proverbs 15:18; James 1:19-20), language (Proverbs 18:21;
James 3:1-12), appearance (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:12-15) and overall association with the
world in check (Matthew 6:24).
Now, the title of this article can either be formed as the statement “What sanctification means
to me” or as the question “What does sanctification mean to me?” I am going to tell you what
sanctification means to me. Sanctification through Christ gives me peace knowing there is
someone much higher than I that maintains control of the universe and will provide a way of escape
from eternal death. My sins are forgiven, and I can take all my cares and worries to the Lord and
have the burden eased at any moment of the day (Matthew 11:28-30).
Sanctification is the knowledge that when I step from time to eternity, there is peace, rest
and eternal bliss awaiting me and no more sorrow, worry or hurting. Therefore, sanctification is
something that I not only long for but desire every human to experience and enjoy.
