How do you sanctify yourself?

[Guest queriesqueries]

Ok y'all...

I read this in the Doctrine & Covenants, 133:62:

"And unto him that repenteth and sacntifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life."

We hear a lot about how to repent, I think I get that.

But how do you sanctify yourself? Is it only a mental/spiritual exercise, or are there physical things you can do to sanctify yourself?

Looking forward to your insights.

Thanks, Q

[Guest tomk]

Q,

tomk here. It's been fun getting to know you in the forums.

No, we don't sanctify ourselves.

I believe this expression means to commit ourselves to a life of righteousness -- to become willing to do all that the Lord commands us to do. Through this willingness we, in effect, bring about conditions under which the Lord can sanctify us without infringing upon our moral agency. In essence, He cannot sanctify us against our will. So, in a manner of speaking, we sanctify ourselves. We sanctify ourselves by choosing to let Him change us through the power of the Atonement. But it is the Lord who has that power, not us. All we do is qualify for it with our "token" obedience.

It's the best I can explain it.

[Hemidakota]

And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life. (Revelation received Nov. 3, 1831) D&C 133:62

Some matching quotes found in "We Believe" states the following:

Joseph Smith,

receiving the Word of the Lord

And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. (Revelation, Dec. 27/28, 1832; obedience to celestial, terrestrial, or telestial law prepares men for those respective kingdoms and glories) D&C 88:21

Author's Note: Magnify refers to what we do with our calling. Delbert L. Stapley amplified on this: "Sometimes we hear brethren refer to 'magnifying the priesthood.' While many of us are guilty of making this erroneous statement, it isn't the priesthood we magnify; it is one's office and calling in the priesthood. It [the priesthood] cannot be enlarged upon because there is no authority or power greater in the universe." (Conference report, Mexico and Central America area conference, 1972, p. 64)

a Sanctified Person Cannot Look Upon Sin Without Abhorrence.

Alma, the younger,

quoted by Mormon

Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

12. Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

13. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest. (Alma instructs the people that high priests were called on account of righteousness, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:11-13

Delbert L. Stapley

Man can only become spotless and sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost in his personal life. The Holy Ghost is a cleansing and purifying agent to all who receive it and are righteous. This means that sin and iniquity are spiritually burned out of the repentant person. He then receives a remission of sins, and his soul is sanctified and made clean for the Holy Ghost to abide in him. The cleansed person enjoys a newness of life and becomes a new creature in the spirit. CR1966Oct:112

Related Witnesses:

President Brigham Young

When through the Gospel the Spirit in man has so subdued the flesh that he can live without wilful transgression, the Spirit of God unites with his spirit, they become congenial companions, and the mind and will of the Creator is thus transmitted to the creature. (In Tabernacle, Feb. 1862, JD9:288) MPSG1985:205

Mormon

And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it. 29. Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them. 30. And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord. (Honest, zealous members of the Church choose death at the hands of their enemies rather than taking the sword against them) Alma 27:28-30

Joseph Smith

We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. (Excerpt from a letter from the First Presidency in Kirtland, Ohio, to the brethren scattered abroad, Jan. 22, 1834) TPJS:51

Recorded in Psalms

I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 163. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 164. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. 165. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 166. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. 167. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. 168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. Ps.119:162-68

[Hemidakota]

Sanctification Is a Process Whereby We Eventually Become Pure and Spotless Before God.

Bruce R. McConkie

Those who go to the celestial kingdom of heaven have to be sanctified, meaning that they become clean and pure and spotless. They've had evil and sin and iniquity burned out of their souls as though by fire, and the figurative expression there is "the baptism of fire." Here again it is a process. Nobody is sanctified in an instant, suddenly. But if we keep the commandments and press forward with steadfastness after baptism then degree by degree and step by step we sanctify our souls until that glorious day when we're qualified to go where God and angels are. ("Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1976, p. 399) TLDP:605

President Brigham Young

I will put my own definition to the term sanctification, and say it consists in overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls as the Lord controls the heavens and the earth, this I call the blessing of sanctification. Will sin be perfectly destroyed? No, it will not, for it is not so designed in the economy of Heaven. . . .

Do not suppose that we shall ever in the flesh be free from temptations to sin. Some suppose that they can in the flesh be sanctified body and spirit and become so pure that they will never again feel the effects of the power of the adversary of truth. Were it possible for a person to attain to this degree of perfection in the flesh, he could not die, neither remain in a world where sin predominates. Sin has entered into the world, and death by sin. (In Tabernacle, May 1863) TLDP:604; MPSG1985:205 (in part)

Moroni, son of Mormon

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

33. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni's final writings, about A.D. 421) Moro.10:32-33

Related Witnesses:

Bruce R. McConkie

To be sanctified is to be cleansed from all sin; it is to stand pure and spotless before the Lord; it is to overcome the world and be a fit candidate for a celestial inheritance. The "sanctified" are "them of the celestial world." (D&C 88:2) The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier. His baptism of fire burns dross and evil out of repentant souls as though by fire. Sanctification comes only to the obedient; it is the truth of heaven-the very word of God, his everlasting gospel-which sanctifies the souls of men. (The Mortal Messiah, 4:114) TLDP:605

Jesus,

quoted by Mormon

And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

20. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus Christ instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3Ne.27:19-20

Delbert L. Stapley,

also quoting Mormon

"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." (Hel.3:35)

My brothers and sisters, if we fast and pray often I am sure that we, too, can wax stronger and stronger in our faith and in our humility, that our hearts will be filled with joy and consolation; that we will also purify and sanctify our hearts, which sanctification will come because we do yield our hearts unto God. CR1951Oct:126

Hugh B. Brown

Nothing but the gospel of love, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which we gratefully proclaim, can save the world or the individual from the dangers that threaten us. This is a gospel of character-building activity, of invincible faith and the courage that is born of faith; of repentance, the doorway to progress; of sanctification through baptism of water and of the Spirit, the doorway, to the celestial kingdom. CR1963Apr:8

Paul

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1Cor.6:9-11

Alma, the younger,

quoted by Mormon

Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white; being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. (Alma instructs the people that high priests were ordained because of righteousness, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:12

President Brigham Young

When the will, passions, and feelings of a person are perfectly submissive to God and His requirements, that person is sanctified. It is for my will to be swallowed up in the will of God, that will lead me into all good, and crown me ultimately with immortality and eternal lives. (In Tabernacle, April 1853, JD2:123) DGSM:50

Enoch,

quoted by Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses

That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;

60. For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; (The record of Moses: Enoch testifies to the people) Moses 6:59-60

Joseph Smith

And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth) D&C 20:31

Mormon

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. (The more humble part of the Nephite Church members suffer persecutions, 41 B.C.) Hel.3:35

Author's Note: Doctrine D-706 states "Sanctification is a process whereby we eventually become pure and spotless before God." The "elect" are chosen and called elect because they merit the appellation, and yet not quite because of merit, but because they have gone through a process, have become godlike, have become elect spirits. The elect are not "rewarded" for good works, but they have become elect because they have developed into godlike spirits. There is no selection on any other basis than change of character. There are no arbitrary placements, no selections because of rank or family or worldly nobility or talent. God is no respecter of persons, choosing one over the other without worthiness: "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson-

"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D&C 121:35-37)

[MaidservantX]

Sanctification comes by sacrifice. But then, understanding sacrifice is another huge study.

[applepansy]

wow Hemi, you're awesome. It would have taken me days to compile that.

applepansy

[Hemidakota]

To narrow it down, as Tom already spoke about, it starts with following the WILL of the FATHER in all what we do in this life. Every second of our life is measured and scrutinized. Then, any sins committed at that point, will be a trembling with fear in progression as to our self-measurement before the FATHER’s and the Savior sanctification process. Sin becomes bitter to our taste and a scourge to our soul as Isaiah pointed out. We only seek to do the FATHER’s will.

The thing to remember, when we are ready to be "fully" sanctified, it will require the Holy Ghost to present the person before the Godhead. Looking at Joseph Smith, this finally came when he and another member attending the Kirkland Temple [see D&C 88]. Justification and Sanctification comes together when a person receives the Second Comforter.

Joseph Smith taught that in being sanctified, man is not only forgiven of sin but cleansed from the effects of it so that he is made a pure and holy being. The English word "sanctify" comes from the French word sanctifier, which means to make holy, which in turn derives from the Latin root sanctus, which means holy. It is one thing to forgive man of his sins and thereby acquit him of personal responsibility to divine law, but it is quite another thing to purge and renovate his soul from the effects of those sins and from the influences of this fallen mortal state. The latter tasks are those which are involved in the work of sanctification. Orson Pratt explained:

After you have been immersed . . . in the water [of baptism], and been cleansed and received a remission of your sins, you also have the promise of baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, by which you are . . . sanctified from all your evil affections, and you feel to love God and that which is just and true, and to hate that which is sinful and evil. Why? Because of this sanctifying, purifying principle that comes upon you, by the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.

Orson Hyde defined the state of sanctification as follows:

. . . it means a purification of, or a putting away from, us, as individuals and as a community, everything that is evil, or that is not in accordance with the mind and will of our heavenly Father.

Sanctification has also an eye to our own preservation for usefulness-for executing, carrying forward, and perpetuating the work of the Most High God.

Of the state of sanctification, Brigham Young said:

. . . it consists in overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls as the Lord controls the heavens and the earth, this I call the blessing of sanctification.

In the sense that sanctification means a cleansing of man from sin, all who repent, either in this world or in the spirit world hereafter, will be sanctified and endowed with a degree of glory in the resurrection. A revelation explained that Christ made His atonement "to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness, . . . except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him." But in a more positive sense, sanctification means more than to be cleansed from the effects of sin. It denotes possession of the powers and attributes of God-a condition of being matured in the divine nature of God. Only those who qualify for celestial redemption will be sanctified in this sense. Brigham Young explained that "when we sanctify ourselves to enter into the presence of the Father and of the Son, we will be filled with the same patience that he is filled with."

[Guest queriesqueries]

Thanks all - Hemidakota, this will keep me busy for weeks.

[Traveler]

Ok y'all...

I read this in the Doctrine & Covenants, 133:62:

"And unto him that repenteth and sacntifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life."

We hear a lot about how to repent, I think I get that.

But how do you sanctify yourself? Is it only a mental/spiritual exercise, or are there physical things you can do to sanctify yourself?

Looking forward to your insights.

Thanks, Q

In a nut shell sanctification is accomplished by covenant. It was mentioned in a previous post that sacrifice is a part of being sanctified, this is true. However, such sacrifice is not just done by giving up something. Sacrifice is a specific covenant that one takes upon them by ordinance.

The Traveler

[skalenfehl]

When we were baptized and confirmed members of the church, hands were laid upon us conferring us members of the church and we received baptism by fire, the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is sanctification.

But we are not perfect and err continually. When we continue on a path of righteousness, continually repenting of our sins, we can go to church and partake of the sacrament, renewing our baptismal covenants. Remember the sacrament prayer?

Moroni 4:3

3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Moroni 5:2

2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine (water) to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

When we partake of the sacrament and renew our baptismal covenants we are filled with the Spirit again and baptized with fire. That is the whole point of having the companionship and the gift of the Holy Ghost, to sanctify us.

Consider the following scriptures:

1.

D&C 62: 3

3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.

2.

D&C 31: 5

5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

3.

D&C 132: 50

50 Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you. Go, therefore, and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the offering of Abraham of his son Isaac.

When we are on the Lord's errand with our eyes single to His glory, we are filled with His Spirit because we are entitled to its companionship, especially when we are on His errand. When we are filled with the Spirit we are sanctified. Remember the days when you were on your mission and how often you felt the Spirit burning within you? It is because you were anxiously engaged in His cause, constantly drawn out in prayer, etc. Our minds are on the Lord and His work and nothing else. Consequently our sins are forgiven us because we have forsaken them. This is the best way I can explain these things as I understand them. I hope this makes sense.

[Hemidakota]

Let me remind everyone, the doctrine of Justification and Sanctification, which goes together as one eternal doctrine. You cannot be sanctified without a preparatory stage of justification. The term justice is holds a great weight here and need to be spiritually researched for understanding on what is justice, who is justice, and why it is necessary to apply in our lives. Now, there is more to this topic that is being presented but time availability is short on what others may have sought to represent.

The word "justification" comes from the word "justify," which means to show to be just or to vindicate one in his actions-to exonerate him or to declare him guiltless or blameless. It also means to make a person just or right in the eyes of the law. In the plan of the gospel, the word "justify" means to regard and treat man as a just person on the basis that the benefits of Christ's atonement have been extended to him. Justification, therefore, is a state of being justified-either of being vindicated or acquitted in regard to one's actions, or of being forgiven of one's sins. One who is justified either has never transgressed the law of God, or he is in a condition in which the penalties which divine justice prescribes for his transgressions have been paid. If he has not sinned, he is vindicated by his righteousness. If he has transgressed, he can be justified either by paying the debt of sin himself or by being reconciled to Christ through the atonement, which will absolve him from the demands of eternal law. In the latter event, justification is made possible by the gracious act of Jesus Christ.

Even within this doctrine, there are sub-doctrinal constraints that a person must go through to acquire justification but require the actions of our Godhead.

The doctrine of justification is identified with the preparatory gospel, by which man is made ready to receive "a greater revelation of God." Since justification is essentially a preparatory action and state, it alone cannot bring man to the ultimate goal of salvation. Unless the work of justification is associated with the cleansing, renewing, and maturing powers of the Holy Spirit-powers that go beyond the enlightening influences by which a man of faith may be born to see the kingdom of God-it is useless in the final analysis. Man cannot be redeemed from his fallen state to celestial glory by the program of justification alone.

Orson Pratt, in explaining the relationship between the divine program by which man may receive a remission of personal sins and the means by which he can be sanctified from the effects of sin, stated:

The Holy Spirit dwells not in unholy temples; that is, it dwells not there, to sanctify, teach, and comfort the mind, but merely has an existence in such temples, to carry on the common operations of nature. To receive the Holy Spirit, so as to have the mind benefited, requires a preparation both of the body and mind. The body and mind of a natural man [i.e., a man who is conditioned to the world and its fallen state], have both been defiled by sin; consequently, both are unholy, impure, and altogether unprepared for the indwelling of the holy Comforter. Now there is but one way for them to be properly prepared for the residence of this pure Spirit. This one way is of divine origin, and consists of three important steps; . . . namely, Faith, Repentance, and Water Baptism. By these three steps, taken sincerely and properly, the sinner is forgiven of all past sins, and both mind and body are prepared for the Baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.

Even this isn't thorough enough in writing to bring about sanctification which I stated in a previous post. However, it is the eternal gospel and final state, which it can be achieved to reside in GOD's presence.

[bert10]

Well Batman, it is given quite plainly in the book of Moses.

Moses 6:60 [1] For by the water ye keep the commandment; [2] by the Spirit ye are justified, and [3] by the blood ye are sanctified;

Sanctification is learning to walk in the Light as Christ is in the Light.

From John in the verse below: First the condition is underlined and the fulfillment of the condition of walking in the Light as Christ is in the light - which are promises are in Green.

1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, [2] we have fellowship one with another, and [3] the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [Moment by moment for it is written if one is led by the Spirit he is not under the law]

Do find this helpful in your understanding?

Peace be unto you

bert10

Ok y'all...

I read this in the Doctrine & Covenants, 133:62:

"And unto him that repenteth and sacntifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life."

We hear a lot about how to repent, I think I get that.

But how do you sanctify yourself? Is it only a mental/spiritual exercise, or are there physical things you can do to sanctify yourself?

Looking forward to your insights.

Thanks, Q

[Elgama]

I have a talk given by my Father in Law when he was I think on a Stake Presidency and it includes a phrase I love - having a Temple Attitude in Your Heart everyday. I guess that for me sums it up

-Charley

[Hemidakota]

How do you know if you have reached this level of Sanctification?

[avatar4321]

How do you know if you have reached this level of Sanctification?

You forget yourself and go to work.