Read Psalm 4.
"But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him."
That is the simplest definition of the word sanctification. Sanctification is not a word to ignore. It is vital to understand. The Bible explains two aspects of us being set apart for God.
1. Eternal.
"But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
At the very moment of believing in Jesus, we are set apart from the world to God. This is a singular, eternal act of God's grace. When the Bible speaks of this sanctification it is always in the past tense of one's life of faith.
2. Practical.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
A growing believer in Jesus continues to work on a lifestyle that demonstrates that they have already been set apart to God. This is an on-going endeavor of discipleship. When the Bible speaks of this aspect of sanctification it is always in the present and progressive sense.
How important is it? As the Psalmist wrote, sanctification is key to God responding to our prayers.
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