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Salvation

Sanctification

The lifelong process of being made holy.

Sanctification is the Spirit's work of forming Christ's character in a believer over time, involving both God's action and the person's active participation through prayer, Scripture, community and obedience.

It is normally gradual and uneven. Scripture assumes struggle rather than instant perfection.

Key verses

  • Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.

    Philippians 2:12-13

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Where this came from

We're not experts — these are the sources we used while researching this page. Read them yourself, keep digging, and hold us to them.

  1. [1]Blue Letter Bible — concordance and cross-reference tools

    Every verse chain on a topic page was checked in context here.

  2. [2]Bible Project — theological theme studies

    Biblical-theology framing for themes such as covenant, image of God, exile and sabbath.

  3. [3]Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (OUP)

    Definitions of technical terms used on these pages.