His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that sanctification means purity and righteousness, a divine call to every believer, as the Bible says: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness is not only an attribute of God but also the goal of the Christian life — to live in purity of heart and conduct before the Lord.
📖 Biblical Examples of Sanctification
The Pope cites several passages showing that sanctification has always been a condition for union with God. For example, God told Moses to “sanctify the people and let them wash their clothes,” meaning they should purify themselves inwardly and outwardly. Likewise, in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, the angel said: “The holy one who is born of you will be called the Son of God” — signifying that Christ is holy by His divine nature.
⛪ Holiness in the Church and Sacred Things
The Church is called holy because it is pure and blameless; the Holy Scriptures are pure writings inspired by the Holy Spirit. When we pray “Hallowed be Your Name,” we do not ask for God’s name to become holy (for it already is), but that we may treat His name with reverence and respect.
🕊️ Sanctification as Dedication
The Pope also explains that in Scripture, “to sanctify” can mean “to dedicate”. For example, God said to Moses: “Sanctify to Me every firstborn,” meaning they were dedicated to God’s service. The same applies to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” meaning to dedicate that day to worship. Holy vessels and God’s houses are also set apart for Him alone.
🙏 Sanctification in the Life of Christ
When Christ said, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” it did not mean He needed purification, but that He dedicated Himself as a sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. He is holy by nature but offered Himself for our redemption.
💡 Conclusion
Sanctification means purity and dedication to God. A holy person lives in inner purity and outward righteousness, devoting their heart and actions to the Lord. Holiness is a lifelong calling to live in union with God’s light.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Biblical Terms – Sanctification
✝️ The Spiritual Meaning of Sanctification
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that sanctification means purity and righteousness, a divine call to every believer, as the Bible says: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness is not only an attribute of God but also the goal of the Christian life — to live in purity of heart and conduct before the Lord.
📖 Biblical Examples of Sanctification
The Pope cites several passages showing that sanctification has always been a condition for union with God. For example, God told Moses to “sanctify the people and let them wash their clothes,” meaning they should purify themselves inwardly and outwardly.
Likewise, in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, the angel said: “The holy one who is born of you will be called the Son of God” — signifying that Christ is holy by His divine nature.
⛪ Holiness in the Church and Sacred Things
The Church is called holy because it is pure and blameless; the Holy Scriptures are pure writings inspired by the Holy Spirit. When we pray “Hallowed be Your Name,” we do not ask for God’s name to become holy (for it already is), but that we may treat His name with reverence and respect.
🕊️ Sanctification as Dedication
The Pope also explains that in Scripture, “to sanctify” can mean “to dedicate”. For example, God said to Moses: “Sanctify to Me every firstborn,” meaning they were dedicated to God’s service.
The same applies to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” meaning to dedicate that day to worship. Holy vessels and God’s houses are also set apart for Him alone.
🙏 Sanctification in the Life of Christ
When Christ said, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” it did not mean He needed purification, but that He dedicated Himself as a sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. He is holy by nature but offered Himself for our redemption.
💡 Conclusion
Sanctification means purity and dedication to God. A holy person lives in inner purity and outward righteousness, devoting their heart and actions to the Lord. Holiness is a lifelong calling to live in union with God’s light.
For better translation support, please contact the center.