Past, Present, and Future Sanctification

by Bryan Carlson

The Bible describes the concept of sanctification in terms of past, present, and future aspects. Sanctification is defined as: “set apart for a divine purpose, consecrated” (Faith notes 121). “Its primary meaning is the idea of separation in consecration and devotion to the service of God. With this is connected the idea that what is set aside from the world for God should also separate itself from the world’s defilement and share in God’s purity” (Berkhof 528). Grudem defines past sanctification as "a decisive break with the power and love of sin, and a setting apart unto God for a life of increasingly holy living" (Grudem, 744). Present sanctification refers to "a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives" (Grudem, 746). Future sanctification is "the completion of the work of sanctification in the lives of Believers, when we are finally and fully freed from the presence and influence of sin and made perfectly holy in the presence of Christ" (Grudem, 747).

Past sanctification refers to the moment of conversion when a person is justified and becomes a new creation in Christ and is set apart for God's purposes. "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). This is a once-for-all event and is the starting point for the Christian life. It is often referred to as positional sanctification and is also described in passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 10:10.

Present sanctification is an ongoing process that involves the Believer cooperating with the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness and become more like Christ. "And we all are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Present sanctification refers to the ongoing process of being made holy by God. This is a lifelong process of growth and transformation as the Holy Spirit works in the Believer's life. It is a gradual process of becoming more and more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Future sanctification refers to the Believer's ultimate glorification when we are fully conformed to the image of Christ and are freed from the presence of sin. "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This will occur when Christ returns and the Believer is resurrected and receives a new, perfect body. This aspect of sanctification is described in passages such as Romans 8:29 and 1 John 3:2.

In biblical counseling, understanding the concepts of past, present, and future sanctification is crucial for helping individuals to understand their identity in Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. These biblical concepts provide a framework for understanding the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ and the ultimate goal of being fully conformed to his image. By recognizing that sanctification is a process that begins with salvation and continues throughout a Believer's life, counselors can help their counselees to understand their identity in Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in their ongoing transformation. Ultimately, this understanding of sanctification can help individuals to live a life of increasing holiness and honor to God, as outlined in Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires…looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…to purify for Himself a people for His own possession.”

Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 121.

Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, New Com. Ed., 527-544.

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 744-758.