As a Christian, one of the core beliefs is the idea of being sanctified, or set apart. This concept is central to our understanding of our relationship with God and how we are called to live our lives. But what does it truly mean to be sanctified?

The Greek word for sanctification is “hagiasmos” which means to be set apart for a sacred purpose. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the process by which a believer is made holy and dedicated to God. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, and it starts with the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Sanctification is not just about becoming morally upright or avoiding certain sins. It is about being transformed into the likeness of Christ. It is about becoming more like Him in every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and attitudes to our actions and decisions. This transformation is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, helping us to overcome our sinful nature and allowing us to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The Bible teaches us that we are all naturally born in sin, but through faith in Jesus, we are made new. We are given a new heart, a new mind, and a new spirit. This new creation is the foundation of our sanctification. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes and failures but by our new identity in Christ.

However, this transformation is not automatic. It requires effort on our part. We must be intentional about our relationship with God and seek to grow in our faith. This means reading the Bible, attending church, praying, and serving others. It also means surrendering our will to God and allowing Him to mold us into the person He created us to be.

One of the key elements of sanctification is a separation from the world and its ways. We are called to be in the world, but not of it. This means we are to live differently from those who do not know Jesus. Our values and priorities should be different from those of the world. We are called to be a light in the darkness, shining brightly for all to see.

In conclusion, being sanctified as a Christian means being set apart for a sacred purpose, being transformed into the likeness of Christ, and living a life that is pleasing to God. It is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit and our own intentional effort to grow in our faith. We are called to be a light in the darkness, shining brightly for all to see and pointing others to Jesus.