Sanctification in Mormonism

In Mormonism, the term sanctify means, “the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Jesus Christ” (see Moses 6: 59-60). Jesus Christ was the only person who led a perfect, sinless life. The rest of us depend upon repentance. The Atonement of Christ made is possible for us to repent and be sanctified.Leaders of the Mormon Church often remind members that now is the time to prepare and become sanctified. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated,

Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” [Few people realize] how soon and how unexpectedly those tomorrows can come and in some cases how little time you may have to make hasty, belated preparation (”Sanctify Yourselves,” Ensign, Nov. 2000).

To be sanctified we must act. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said,

Justification and sanctification are accomplished by the grace of Christ, which grace is a gift to man based on faith. But our moral agency is also a necessary element in this divine process. We must will to repent and act to repent. We must elect to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and we must elect to remain loyal to our covenants thereafter. To receive the gift [of sanctification] we must act in the manner He has ordained (”Justification and Sanctification,” Ensign, June 2001).