Consecration, Holiness, and Sanctification

Question: What is the difference between consecration, holiness and sanctification?

Answer: While terms like consecration, holiness, and sanctification are often used interchangeably in spiritual conversations amongst believers or during sermons by minsters of God, they carry subtle differences in meaning from a biblical perspective. Each term expresses a unique aspect of the believer’s relationship with God and their transformation toward Christlikeness. Let’s consider some of the differences:

1. Holiness

Holiness refers to the state or quality of being set apart for God. It is primarily an attribute of God Himself and signifies His purity, perfection, and separation from sin. When applied to believers, it means being set apart from sin and dedicated to God’s service.

Holiness is about being—a state of being separated from sin and morally pure.
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16) NKJV
A believer in Christ lives a life of moral purity and spiritual devotion to God, striving to reflect God’s character in every area of his life.

2. Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy or set apart for God’s purposes. It is both a positional reality (you and I are sanctified once we receive Christ) and a progressive process that continues throughout our lives as believers. While we are declared holy in Christ (positional sanctification), sanctification also involves the ongoing transformation of the believer’s character, attitudes, and actions to become more like Christ (progressive sanctification).

Sanctification is about becoming—a continuous process of growth in holiness and Christlikeness.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) NKJV

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV)

For instance, a believer in Christ Jesus is undergoing transformation, continually growing in godliness as he surrenders to the Holy Spirit, putting to death sinful habits and living a life that reflects God’s purposes.
And this progressive sanctification can only be achieved by the help and leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you have to daily yield and submit your will and the totality of your life to the governance of the Holy Spirit.

3. Consecration

Consecration refers to the act of dedicating or setting something (or someone) apart for a sacred purpose or service to God. While sanctification is God’s work in making us holy, consecration is our act of commitment to be used for God’s purposes. It involves a voluntary decision to devote oneself fully to God, surrendering one’s life, will, and desires for His service.

Consecration is about dedication—the deliberate decision to set oneself apart for God’s purposes and use.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) NKJV
A believer who aims to walk in consecration before God actively dedicates himself to honouring God. He finds joy in obeying God and His Word and holds a reverential fear for God. He actively dedicates himself to God’s service, committing his time, talents, and resources to fulfilling God’s will in his life

Core Differences:

Holiness is the quality or state of being set apart from sin and dedicated to God. It is both an attribute of God and a state believers are called to reflect.
Sanctification is the process by which believers are progressively transformed into Christ’s image, growing in holiness.
Consecration is the voluntary act of dedicating oneself to God for His service and use.

Let us in brief consider why a “Man of Holiness, Sanctification, and Consecration Delights God”

These concepts are intertwined in the life of a believer who desires to please God. A man who is holy, sanctified, and consecrated delights the heart of God because:

He lives in purity, separated from sin (holiness).
He is continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ, growing in spiritual maturity (sanctification).
He has consciously dedicated his life to serve God and carry out His purposes (consecration).

Such a man is described in Psalm 24:3-4:
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.”

This man can dwell in God’s holy presence because his heart is pure, his hands are clean, and his life is fully surrendered to the will of God.

Practical Instance:

A modern-day believer striving for holiness, sanctification, and consecration should:

Practice holiness by avoiding sinful habits, pursuing moral purity, and guarding your heart against temptations using God’s word and maintaining a daily and regular prayer life.
Undergo sanctification by submitting daily to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, studying the Word of God, and allowing His Spirit to refine your character. If you want the Holy Spirit to sanctify you daily, brokenness before Him is essential.
Live out consecration by dedicating their gifting, talents, finances, career, family, and time to God’s kingdom, being actively involved in church ministries or outreach efforts, or even committing to prayer and fasting for personal spiritual growth or the needs of others.

Ending:

While holiness is the state of being set apart for God, sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in that holiness, and consecration is the act of intentionally dedicating oneself to God’s purposes. A life marked by these qualities delights God, enables deep communion with Him, and brings about transformation that can change the believer and the world around them.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name

Prayer: Holy-Spirit, I willingly submit myself to You. Please, lead me in the path of holiness, sanctification and consecration before God, all the days of my life, in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry