📌 General Concept of Sanctification

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the word sanctification in the Holy Bible carries two main meanings: purity and dedication. It is connected to living with God in purity of life or dedicating something or someone to His service.

✨ First: Sanctification as Purity

• Sanctification means purity and righteousness, as mentioned in many verses such as: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

• God asks the human person to live a clean life worthy of the divine calling.

• Many biblical examples appear: the sanctification of the people before approaching the mountain, or washing garments as a sign of purification.

• Even about the Virgin Mary it was said: “The Holy One who is to be born,” referring to the purity of the One born of the Holy Spirit.

• The Church is called holy because she is pure and without blemish, and the Holy Scriptures are holy because they are pure and from God.

✨ Second: Sanctification as Dedication

• Sanctification also means dedicating something to the Lord:

  • “Sanctify to Me every firstborn,” meaning dedicating the firstborn for the service of God before the Levites were chosen.

  • The dedication of the Sabbath day to the Lord, not because the day itself is pure but because it is a day set apart for worship.

  • The holy seasons, holy vessels, and the houses of God: all are holy because they are dedicated to Him.

• Likewise, Christ said: “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” meaning He dedicates Himself for the salvation of humanity, for He is holy by nature and does not need sanctification.

🌿 Spiritual Message

True sanctification is for a person to live in purity of heart and conduct, and to dedicate his life, his days, and his works to God. Holiness is not a word but a life lived with sincerity and devotion.

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