Sanctification

Scripturally, the word sanctification has three meanings: First, separation; second, dedication; third, spirit-filling. Webster's definition of it is as follows: 1. Sanctification is the act of God's grace by which the affections of man are purified, or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love of God; also, the state of being thus purified or sanctified. 2. The act of consecrating, or setting apart for a sacred purpose. Sanctifier. One who sanctifies or makes holy; specifically, the Holy Ghost. Sanctify. 1. To set apart to a holy or religious use. 2. To make holy or free from sin; to cleanse from moral corruption or pollution; to make holy by detaching the affections from the world and its defilements and exalting them to a supreme love of God. Scripturally and practically, the terms sanctification, holiness, purity, and perfection are synonymous. Holiness , Separation: setting apart; sacredness. Purity. Cleanness; chastity. Perfection. Completeness; wholeness. All this is comprehended in one word, sanctification .
It is evident that this term signifies much more in the New Testament sense than it does in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament it meant but a dedication, a setting apart to a holy use, as in the example of the sanctification of the tabernacle and its contents—the altar and laver, and all the vessels belonging thereto—and Aaron and his sons and their garments. Lev. 8:10-30. In this dispensation of grace it means infinitely more; for in that dispensation it was but an outward and ceremonial work, but now it is an inwrought work, permeating and purifying the affections through and through by the cleansing blood and heavenly fire, and filling the dedicated temple, our body, with the Holy Ghost, as in the example of the early church at Pentecost.
The justified believer must meet the conditions of complete separation and exclusive dedication of himself to God, in a sense that no guilty sinner can do. This is the believer's part. He must purify himself. Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. —1 John 3:3. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. —2 Cor. 7:1. This brings the believer into the condition where God can fulfill his part. He can now take exclusive possession of the dedicated temple, and sanctify it. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. —1 Thess. 5:23. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. —Acts 2:4. This brings the believer into a more perfect spiritual relationship with God than when simply justified.