Sanctification

Sanctification or in its verb form, sanctify, literally means to set apart for special use or purpose, that is to make holy or sacred (compare Latin sanctus 'holy'). Therefore sanctification refers to the state or process of being set apart, i.e. made holy. The concept of sanctification is widespread among religions, but is perhaps especially common among the various branches of the Christian religion. The term can be used to refer to objects which are set apart for special purposes, but the most common use within Christian theology is in reference to the change brought about by God in a believer, begun at the point of salvation and continuing throughout the life of the believer. Many forms of Christianity believe that this process will only be completed in Heaven, but some believe that complete holiness is possible in this life.

Related Topics:
Holy - Sacred - Latin - Religion - Christian religion - Christian theology - Salvation - Heaven - Holiness

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In many branches of Christianity, inanimate objects as well as people can be sanctified. A notable instance is the process of transubstantiation, which in Roman Catholic doctrine means that the bread and wine of Communion are physically transformed into the flesh and blood (respectively) of Jesus. This act, normally carried out by priests, constitutes a kind of sanctification of the bread and wine.

Related Topics:
Transubstantiation - Roman Catholic - Communion

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The term has gathered special uses by the different denominations of Christianity. For Protestants, the concept of sanctification is tied closely to grace and the term is usually reserved for reference to people rather than objects. Following a particular reading of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, the word "sanctified" can be used as a shorthand for born again in the sense of "set apart by God." However, this usage is rare in churches of the Anglican communion and the Roman Catholic Church, where sanctification refers to the conveyance of blessing.

Related Topics:
Denominations - Protestant - Grace - Perseverance of the saints - Born again - Anglican communion

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