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Can a Believer Sanctify a Husband or Wife?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIf only God can call someone into His family, how is it possible that a believing husband or wife can sanctify a spouse or child (I Corinthians 7:14)?
Deuteronomy (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Greek term *hagiazo* (G37), translated as "sanctified," appears in Hebrews 10:14 and is written in the future tense, indicating a process of making holy in the character sense, a work in progress. This term shifts to a future perspective, showing that sanctification is not complete but continues as an ongoing journey. Sanctification, or holiness, comes in two parts: one stage is accomplished, opening a relationship with God and being perfect to that point, while the second stage of becoming like God remains unfinished, extending into the future as long as He permits. The use of *hagiazo* emphasizes that those who are being sanctified are on their way, not yet at the final destination, highlighting the continuous nature of this transformative process.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe verb *hagiazo* (G37), from which the noun *hagiasmos* is derived, carries the profound meaning of "to make clean," as explained by Spiros Zodhiates in his Complete Word Study New Testament Words book. This term signifies not just a declaration of righteousness, as in justification, but a transformative process of becoming clean and pure in a moral sense. It involves rendering oneself pure, metaphorically speaking, through purification and consecration, setting one apart from common use and the rest of the world, which remains in a state of impurity. The process of sanctification, tied to *hagiazo*, indicates a devotion and separation that comes from this ongoing purification, distinguishing those who undergo it as they strive to reflect the holiness of God.

The Model Prayer (Part Three): Hallowed Be Your Name
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' Model Prayer includes the unique salutation, "Hallowed be Your name," as a request for the true worship of God to increase. The Greek word underlying "hallowed," hagiazo, appears 28 times in Scripture and means to separate, consecrate, cleanse, purify, sanctify, or regard as holy. In the context of this prayer, it reflects a desire to treat God's name as holy, a concept often linked in the Old Testament to God Himself or the Sabbath, which only God can truly make holy. Humans can hallow something sanctified by God by obeying His instructions, as seen in commands to keep the Sabbath holy by refraining from work. The significance of hallowing God's name extends beyond mere pronunciation or usage; it involves revering what His names represent—His character and essence. God's names identify His traits as Eternal, Creator, Almighty, and more, and thus, the request to hallow His name implies a deep aspiration to pursue Him and His way of life with reverence. To hallow God's name, as conveyed by the meaning of hagiazo to separate, involves placing God in an exalted category without rivals, recognizing Him as the ultimate Ruler over all. His people are to come to a true understanding of Him, follow His teachings, and keep Him at the center of their lives. They hallow His name through praise and obedience in every word and deed, expressing a desire to please the Father in all facets of life and to witness His glory to the world.
The Unique Greatness of Our God (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have a God who is different from the common. This relates to how we view God in general in our everyday lives—in our everyday relationship with Him.