{{_ As Christians, what does being Sanctified mean?}}
Leviticus 19:1-2 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
The root idea of holiness or sanctity is contained in the emphasized words above.
Some have called it the primary attribute of God: His separateness, His being set apart from the Creation, His being Someone and Something different.
The application to believers today is much stronger than the commandment given to Israel:
John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Interpreters speak of the sanctification of believers having past, present, and future aspects. These differences of aspect (or tense) may cause confusion.
Past. Before conversion. Believers are said to be foreknown before the Creation (Eph. 1:4). Believers are set apart at conception (Gal. 1:15). Children of believing parents or of just one believing parent are set apart or sanctified in a special temporary way whether they become believers or not (and the unbelieving spouse is similarly sanctified) (1st Cor. 7:14-15).
Past. After conversion. There is assurance of an eternal living relationship with God. The believer knows for certain that he has been set apart as a child of God (Rom. 8:16).
Present. There is a growth in holiness or in being set apart. This is the usual sense of sanctification. But too often perceived holiness of behavior, words, and thought are implied. These may be signs of sanctification, but the process of sanctification itself is increased appreciation of the unmerited favor of God as a result of increased knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3:18).
Future. Physical death of the true believer (or resurrection before death) brings about complete sanctification. The old enemies of the world, the flesh, and the devil trouble the believer no more.
