What Does It Mean That Christ Is My Sanctification?
The Doctrine of Christ as Our Sanctification in Focus:
Sanctification is not a process of becoming holy through effort or commandment-keeping. It is the result of our union with Christ, who is our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). Holiness is not found in a list of actions but in a person—Jesus Christ. Through His blood and the Spirit, we are united with Him, and that union becomes a living source of renewal and cleansing (John 7:37–39).
Biblically, sanctification is not gradual but a complete work in Christ. We are sanctified because we are joined to the altar that sanctifies, a gift received by faith—not earned through works. Putting off the old man and putting on the new (Romans 6:4) means believing in Christ's finished work, not striving for incremental holiness. This transforms sanctification from a human struggle to a divine reality rooted in our identity in Christ.
To be "one with the altar that sanctifies" means our holiness flows from Christ Himself. In the Levitical system, the altar was made "most holy" by the blood of the burnt offering; anything touching it became holy (Exodus 29:37). So too, Christ, our altar, sanctifies us through His perfect devotion.
The burnt offering, unlike the sin offering, represented Christ’s wholehearted surrender to the Father. It was the first offering in Leviticus, wholly consumed, a "pleasing aroma" to God (Leviticus 1:9). This devotion—His love for God with all His heart, soul, mind, and strength—was the foundation for all other offerings. As the burnt offering was flayed and its inward parts examined, so Christ’s inward life was found pure and wholly set apart to God.
It is this perfect devotion that consecrates the altar we are joined to. Our sanctification rests not on our worthiness, but on the sanctifying power of Christ's obedience and sacrifice. When we present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), we are made holy by contact with Him, just as the Old Testament altar sanctified anything it touched. Our holiness is Christ’s holiness, not our own.
Summary of Misconceptions:
â–ş Claim: Sanctification is achieved through progressive works and commandment keeping.
However, scripture teaches the opposite. Sanctification is not a patchwork of works but is about putting on Christ (by acknowledging what we have in Him by faith) and living by faith in our union with Him. The law reveals our need for salvation, not a means to achieve sanctification (Romans 7:18-25).
â–ş Claim: Sanctification is a separate process from justification (Justification by grace, sanctification by works).
This view misunderstands the biblical principle that Christ is both our justification and sanctification. They are inseparable. Justification positions us before God in His grace, and in this standing and grace, Christ becomes our sanctification, supplying Himself to us. Just as justification is obtained by faith in Christ, not by works, Christ as our life is also a matter of living by faith and receiving what only He can give (Galatians 2:20). Justification qualifies us, putting us in Christ by faith. It is by standing by faith in His grace that He as our sanctification renews us and changes the atmosphere in our life so that it is characterized by something new in Him.
What Scripture Actually Says:
The Bible presents sanctification as a reality accomplished through our union with Christ. We are sanctified by His blood. Our participation in this reality, which is already true, comes through the renewal of our minds as we learn to acknowledge what is true by faith. This involves recognizing our identity in Christ and living from the reality of His life within us. The pursuit of holiness is about knowing Christ, enjoying Him. This changes the atmosphere of our life and makes Christ increasingly the center point of reference (Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:27).
Sanctification is not about striving to keep the law but about enjoying Christ and allowing His life to manifest in us. Trials and sufferings are opportunities for comfort and transformation, not signs of God's displeasure (Romans 8:28). The Christian life is a river of living water flowing from Christ, and our sanctification is the enjoyment of this reality (John 7:38).
Correct Understanding from Scripture:
Christ is Our Sanctification: "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Our sanctification is a person, not a process.
Union with Christ: "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Romans 6:5). Our sanctification flows from our union with Christ.
Renewing of the Mind: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Sanctification involves a transformation through the renewal of our minds.
Living Water: "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). Our Christian life and sanctification are characterized by the flow of living water from Christ.
Enjoying Christ: "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). Sanctification is about knowing and enjoying Christ.
Implications/Damage of Misunderstanding:
Misunderstanding sanctification as a work-based process leads to a focus on self-effort and law-keeping, which can result in spiritual frustration and bondage, as well as the corruption of the flesh increasing (the law is the strength of sin).
Viewing sanctification apart from Christ can lead to a legalistic approach that misses the joy and freedom found in union with Him.
True Grace/Application Brings You to Christ:
Recognizing Christ as our sanctification leads us to rest in His finished work and experience true transformation through His life in us (Galatians 2:20).
This understanding draws us into deeper fellowship with Christ, where we find satisfaction and fulfillment in Him alone (John 4:14).
Final Takeaways:
Christ is our sanctification, and this is a reality given through our union with Him (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Sanctification is about enjoying Christ and being transformed by His life in us, not by our works (Philippians 3:10).
Additional Biblical Insights:
Sanctification is intricately connected to our identity in Christ. As we embrace this truth, we begin to live from our position and our calling as already holy and acceptable to God, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The renewing of our minds marks this life, grateful knowledge of Christ, which is the hallmark of the manifestation of Christ's life within us. The process of approving what is excellent and rejecting what is not illustrates the practical outworking of being sanctified through faith in Christ. It involves discerning and choosing what aligns with God's record concerning His Son, thereby living a life that reflects our union with the altar—Christ Himself.