Sanctification

Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming holy — of being progressively transformed by God's grace into the likeness of Christ throughout the Christian life (CCC 1987–1995, 2013).

Sanctification Follows Justification

Justification brings the sinner into a right relationship with God. Sanctification is the ongoing deepening of that relationship — the lifelong process of having one's entire person, body and soul, transformed into the image of Christ (CCC 1995).

How Sanctification Happens

Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul of the baptized, accomplished through prayer, the sacraments (especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation), Scripture, works of charity, penance, and the daily effort to grow in virtue. The Holy Spirit produces in the sanctified soul the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23; CCC 1832).

The Universal Call to Holiness

The Second Vatican Council taught that all Christians — not only priests or religious — are called to holiness. The call to sanctification is the vocation of every baptized person. "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48; CCC 2013).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone be fully sanctified in this life? The Church canonizes saints who achieved heroic virtue — but teaches that perfect sanctification is not ordinarily achieved in this life. This is precisely why Purgatory exists (CCC 1030, 2013).