### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, `{{G38}}`) is derived from the verb ἁγιάζω (hagiazo, `{{G37}}`), meaning "to set apart," "to consecrate," or "to make holy." At its core, ἁγιασμός denotes the process of being made holy or consecrated, as well as the resultant state of holiness or purity. It encompasses the idea of purification and the subsequent condition of being pure and set apart for God's exclusive use. While the base definition also includes "concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier," the primary usage in the New Testament leans heavily towards the *process* of sanctification and the *state* of holiness. It describes a dynamic movement from a common or profane state to one of sacred dedication and moral purity, reflecting God's own character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἁγιασμός appears frequently in the Pauline epistles and Hebrews, highlighting its significance in the Christian life.
In Romans, Paul contrasts the former life of sin with the new life in Christ. In [[Romans 6:19]], believers are urged to present their members as slaves to righteousness leading to ἁγιασμός, contrasting it with slavery to impurity and lawlessness. Similarly, [[Romans 6:22]] states that having been set free from sin and enslaved to God, the result is ἁγιασμός and its end, eternal life. Here, ἁγιασμός represents both the ongoing process of moral transformation and the ultimate state of purity that leads to salvation.
Paul underscores the source of this holiness in [[1 Corinthians 1:30]], declaring that Christ Jesus "became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and ἁγιασμός and redemption." This verse positions sanctification as a divine gift, an integral aspect of the believer's identity in Christ.
The Thessalonian letters emphasize the practical and ethical dimensions of ἁγιασμός. In [[1 Thessalonians 4:3]], Paul states, "For this is the will of God, your ἁγιασμός: that you abstain from sexual immorality." This is further clarified in [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]], "For God has not called us for impurity, but in ἁγιασμός." Here, ἁγιασμός is not merely an abstract theological concept but a concrete call to moral purity and sexual integrity. In [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]], Paul reminds believers that God chose them "from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth," underscoring the divine initiative and the Spirit's role in the process of setting believers apart.
In [[1 Timothy 2:15]], within the context of women's roles, it is stated that they "will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and ἁγιασμός, with self-control." This usage points to ἁγιασμός as a sustained state of holy living.
The epistle to the Hebrews presents ἁγιασμός as an essential prerequisite for seeing God. [[Hebrews 12:14]] exhorts, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the ἁγιασμός without which no one will see the Lord." This verse powerfully highlights the necessity of holiness for intimate communion with God.
Finally, [[1 Peter 1:2]] connects ἁγιασμός to the divine plan of salvation, stating that believers are "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood." This verse encapsulates the Trinitarian nature of sanctification, involving the Father's election, the Spirit's work, and the Son's atoning blood.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἁγιασμός is rich and interconnected. Its root is found in ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`), meaning "holy" or "set apart," which describes God's inherent nature and that which is consecrated to Him. The verb ἁγιάζω (hagiazo, `{{G37}}`) denotes the action of making holy or setting apart.
Other related nouns include ἁγιότης (hagiotes, `{{G41}}`) and ἁγιωσύνη (hagiosyne, `{{G42}}`), both often translated as "holiness" or "sanctity." While these terms can overlap, ἁγιότης and ἁγιωσύνη tend to emphasize the *quality* or *attribute* of holiness, whereas ἁγιασμός frequently highlights the *process* of becoming holy or the *state* resulting from that process. ἁγιασμός therefore carries a more dynamic sense of ongoing transformation and dedication.
Conceptually, ἁγιασμός is closely linked to:
* **Purity:** A state of being clean and unblemished, particularly in a moral and spiritual sense.
* **Consecration:** The act of dedicating oneself or something to sacred use.
* **Separation:** Being set apart from the profane world and its sin, for God.
* **Righteousness:** A state of conformity to God's moral standard, often seen as a fruit or parallel outcome of sanctification.
* **Transformation:** The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in changing believers into the likeness of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἁγιασμός is profound and multifaceted, touching upon key doctrines of Christian faith:
1. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** Sanctification is fundamentally God's work. It originates in His foreknowledge and election ([[1 Peter 1:2]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]]) and is accomplished through Christ's atoning work ([[1 Corinthians 1:30]]) and the power of the Holy Spirit ([[2 Thessalonians 2:13]], [[1 Peter 1:2]]). It is a gracious gift, not an achievement of human effort alone.
2. **Christocentricity:** Jesus Christ is the source and embodiment of our sanctification. Through His sacrifice, believers are positionally set apart and given the power to live holy lives.
3. **The Spirit's Agency:** The Holy Spirit is the active agent in progressive sanctification, empowering believers to put off sin and live in obedience to God's will. This is a work of inner transformation.
4. **Positional and Progressive Aspects:** ἁγιασμός encompasses both a definitive, once-for-all setting apart (positional sanctification at conversion) and an ongoing, lifelong process of growth in holiness (progressive sanctification). Believers are declared holy in Christ and are simultaneously called to *become* holy in their daily lives.
5. **Ethical Imperative:** Sanctification is not merely an abstract theological concept but has direct implications for practical Christian living. It demands a separation from sin and a pursuit of moral purity, particularly in areas like sexual conduct ([[1 Thessalonians 4:3-7]]). It is the outworking of faith in daily obedience.
6. **Teleological Goal:** The ultimate aim of ἁgiaσμός is to enable believers to enter into fuller communion with God and to see Him ([[Hebrews 12:14]]). It is essential for eternal life and prepares believers for their ultimate destiny with God.
### Summary
The Greek term ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, `{{G38}}`) signifies both the divine process of being set apart for God's purposes and the resultant state of holiness and purity. Rooted in God's own holy nature, it is a work initiated by the Father, accomplished through Christ, and actualized by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. ἁgiaσμός encompasses both the definitive, positional holiness granted at conversion and the progressive, lifelong transformation into Christlikeness. It carries a strong ethical imperative, calling believers to actively pursue moral purity and live lives consecrated to God, ultimately enabling them to experience deeper communion with Him and inherit eternal life.
TRV