Sanctification is often misunderstood by Christians, yet it's fundamental to our identity in Christ. It means being 'set apart' or made holy, and Scripture presents it in two distinct ways. First, we are immediately and fully sanctified the moment we believe - God gives us a completely new heart. Second, we experience an ongoing process where our behavior, thoughts, and actions gradually align with who we already are in Christ.

Romans 6 provides clarity on this concept, explaining that we were baptized into Christ's death, our old self was crucified with Him, and we are no longer enslaved to sin. This doesn't mean we'll never sin again, but rather that sin no longer defines us or has dominion over us. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, producing fruit in our lives that leads to sanctification. Instead of trying to earn God's love through better behavior, we're called to daily renew our minds and remember who we truly are - children of God who are fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted. When we truly believe who we are in Christ, we naturally begin living like it.