Dictionary of Theological Terms

33. Sanctify, sanctification

Sanctify is to declare something or someone for God's use. It means to say it is holy. Sanctification is part of Christian salvation. This begins as soon as God chooses a person for his purposes - in some respects, even before creation. But sanctification is also a process as we yield ourselves to God's desires for us, and we are led by the Spirit to use our minds and bodies for his purposes, not for our own desires.