In Assemblies of God theology, what does "Sanctification" refer to?

Sanctification in Assemblies of God theology refers to the act of living a holy life. This process is understood as a work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, setting them apart for God's purposes and enabling them to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. It emphasizes the idea that after a person experiences justification—being declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ—the believer is called to continue growing spiritually by turning away from sin and increasingly reflecting the character of Christ.

This concept encompasses both an instantaneous aspect, where the believer is declared holy through faith, as well as a progressive dimension, wherein the believer actively cooperates with the Holy Spirit to develop a lifestyle that pleases God. This journey involves ongoing spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a dedication to following the teachings of Jesus.

The focus on living a holy life sets this understanding of sanctification apart from concepts that might imply earning salvation, merely studying scripture, or performing community service, which, while valuable, do not encapsulate the transformation and moral living that sanctification signifies.