Sanctification: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanctification

 

[ˌsaŋ(k)tɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

The act of making something holy or purified, especially within a religious context. It is the process of becoming closer to God and living a life that is in accordance with religious teachings.

Synonyms

holiness, purification, sacredness.

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Word Description / Examples
sanctification

Usually used in religious contexts to describe the process of becoming closer to the divine or being made holy. Often involves rituals or ceremonies.

  • The church emphasizes the importance of sanctification in the believer's life.
  • Through prayer and meditation, she sought sanctification.
holiness

Refers to the quality of being holy, often used to describe divine or virtuous entities, people, or actions. It can apply to both religious and secular contexts.

  • The holiness of the place was felt by everyone who visited.
  • Her holiness was evident in the way she helped others selflessly.
purification

Typically used in both religious and secular contexts to refer to the act of making something pure, free from impurities or contamination.

  • Water purification is crucial for safe drinking water.
  • The ritual bath was a form of purification before the ceremony.
sacredness

Describes the state of being sacred, often associated with things, places, or objects that are considered holy or worthy of reverence.

  • The sacredness of the shrine attracts many pilgrims.
  • They felt the sacredness of the moment during the wedding ceremony.

Examples of usage

  • Through prayer and meditation, the monk sought sanctification.
  • Sanctification is a central aspect of many religious traditions.
  • Many believers view sanctification as a lifelong journey.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The act of giving something a special status or significance, often in a moral or ethical sense.

Synonyms

blessing, consecration, elevation.

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Word Description / Examples
sanctification

Typically used in religious settings to describe the process of becoming holy or being set apart for sacred purposes.

  • The priest spoke about the sanctification of the believers during the sermon.
  • Sanctification is a key concept in many Christian denominations.
blessing

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a favor or gift from a higher power, or a positive, fortunate event.

  • Grandmother gave her blessing to the newlyweds.
  • Winning the lottery was a blessing for the family.
consecration

Used in specific religious contexts to describe the formal dedication of something or someone to a sacred purpose, often involving a ritual or ceremony.

  • The bishop presided over the consecration of the new church.
  • The consecration of the altar was accompanied by special prayers.
elevation

Often used in both secular and religious contexts to describe the act of raising someone or something to a higher status or level of importance.

  • Her elevation to CEO was a significant event in the company.
  • The elevation of the host is a key moment in the mass.

Examples of usage

  • The sanctification of human rights is a crucial task for a just society.
  • The sanctification of nature is a theme in many environmental movements.
Context #3 | Noun

Christianity

The process of being made holy and acceptable to God, following justification through faith in Jesus Christ.

Synonyms

divine transformation, spiritual purification.

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Word Description / Examples
sanctification

Typically used in a religious context to describe the process of becoming holy or set apart for sacred purposes. It is often associated with gradual moral and spiritual improvement.

  • After years of dedicated service and prayer, she felt the sanctification of her soul.
  • The teachings of the church focus on the importance of sanctification in a believer's life.
spiritual purification

Refers to the process of cleansing the spirit from impurities or sins. Often associated with rituals, prayer, or ascetic practices to achieve a higher state of spiritual cleanliness.

  • The monks undergo spiritual purification through fasting and meditation.
  • She embarked on a journey of spiritual purification to find peace and forgiveness.
divine transformation

Used to describe a profound change attributed to a divine or supernatural force. More dramatic and immediate than sanctification, it suggests a complete makeover of one's spiritual state.

  • His experience on the pilgrimage led to a divine transformation that changed his life forever.
  • The protagonist's story revolves around a divine transformation after encountering a mystical being.

Examples of usage

  • Sanctification is seen as a necessary step in the Christian's spiritual journey.
  • Christians believe that sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit.
  • The doctrine of sanctification is central to many Christian denominations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sanctificare', meaning 'to make holy'.
  • It has been used in various religious texts for centuries to describe how believers are set apart for a special purpose.
  • Many ancient cultures practiced rituals that they believed would sanctify their spaces or lives.

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, sanctification is often viewed as a journey where individuals grow closer to divine principles over time.
  • There are two main types: positional sanctification, where one is viewed as holy due to faith, and progressive sanctification, where one grows in holiness through actions.
  • Different denominations view the process of sanctification in various ways, influencing their teachings and practices.

Philosophical Perspectives

  • Philosophers debate the meaning of holiness and whether it can be objectively defined or is subjective to individual belief systems.
  • Some believe that becoming 'sanctified' involves ethical living, while others focus on inner spiritual growth.
  • The discussion around sanctification raises questions about morality, purpose, and the nature of the divine.

Cultural Representations

  • Art often depicts scenes of sanctification, showcasing how cultures visualize the concept of becoming holy.
  • In literature, characters undergoing sanctification often experience trials that reveal their true nature or moral lessons.
  • Some music genres explore themes of sanctification, suggesting a connection between spirituality and creative expression.

Psychological Aspects

  • The process of sanctification can lead to positive changes in behavior and mindset, fostering a sense of peace and purpose.
  • Studies show that individuals who engage in spiritual practices often report higher levels of happiness and contentment.
  • Sanctification can also involve forgiveness, as letting go of past grievances can be seen as a stepping stone to inner peace and holiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "sanctification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 santificação

🇮🇳 पवित्रीकरण

🇩🇪 Heiligung

🇮🇩 pengudusan

🇺🇦 освячення

🇵🇱 uświęcenie

🇯🇵 聖別 (せいべつ)

🇫🇷 sanctification

🇪🇸 santificación

🇹🇷 kutsama

🇰🇷 성화 (seonghwa)

🇸🇦 تقديس

🇨🇿 posvěcení

🇸🇰 posvätenie

🇨🇳 成圣 (chéng shèng)

🇸🇮 posvečenje

🇮🇸 helgun

🇰🇿 қасиеттеу

🇬🇪 სიწმინდე (sic’minde)

🇦🇿 müqəddəsləşmə

🇲🇽 santificación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,115, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.