The concept of sanctification is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the process of becoming holy or set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 provides a profound insight into His heart’s desires for His disciples and all believers. Let’s explore Jesus’ prayer in John 17:13–19 and delve into other Scriptures that highlight the significance and meaning of sanctification.
Jesus’ Prayer for Sanctification in John 17:13–19
In John 17, often called Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer,” Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. Let’s focus on verses 13–19, where Jesus specifically prays for the sanctification of His disciples:
“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake, I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”
Key Points from Jesus’ Prayer:
Joy in Fulfillment: Jesus desires that His disciples experience His joy fully.
Separation from the World: Jesus acknowledges His disciples are not of this world.
Protection from Evil: Jesus asks the Father to protect His disciples from the evil one.
Sanctification in Truth: Jesus prays for their sanctification through the truth of God’s Word.
The Importance and Meaning of Sanctification in Scripture
1. Set aside for God’s Purposes
The Bible emphasizes sanctification as being set apart for God’s purposes. Peter writes about this theme in 1 Peter 1:15–16.
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
This call to holiness underscores the transformative work of sanctification, shaping believers to reflect God’s character in their lives.
2. Continual Growth in Christlikeness
Sanctification is not a one-time event but a lifelong growth process in Christlikeness. Paul emphasizes this in Philippians 1:6:
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God continues His sanctifying work in believers, molding and shaping them into the image of His Son.
3. Freedom from Sin and Bondage
Sanctification involves liberation from the power and bondage of sin. In Romans 6:22, Paul writes:
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
Through sanctification, believers experience freedom from sin’s dominion, leading to eternal life in Christ.
4. Empowerment for Service and Mission
Sanctification equips believers for service and mission in the world. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul writes:
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
As believers are sanctified, they become vessels of honor, prepared and equipped for God’s kingdom work.
Conclusion
Jesus’ prayer in John 17 for sanctifying His disciples reveals God’s heart for His people. It emphasizes the importance of being set apart for God’s purposes, protected from evil, and continually transformed by His Word.
Throughout the Scriptures, the theme of sanctification resonates as a call to holiness, growth in Christlikeness, freedom from sin, and empowerment for service. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the journey of sanctification and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, transforming us into the likeness of Christ each day.
May we respond to Jesus’ prayer with hearts open to His sanctifying work, allowing His Word to shape us, His Spirit to guide us, and His love to empower us for His glory.
