According to the WSC, what is sanctification?

Sanctification refers to the transformative process by which believers become more like Christ, growing in holiness and reflecting God’s character in their lives. This concept emphasizes that sanctification is a work of grace, meaning it is not achieved through human effort alone but rather through the influence of the Holy Spirit. As individuals engage in a relationship with God, they are increasingly conformed to His image, experiencing growth in virtues such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness.

This understanding underscores the process of spiritual growth as lifelong, involving both the believer's cooperation and divine assistance. The aspect of being conformed to God's image highlights sanctification’s relational and progressive nature, showcasing how believers are gradually shaped to reflect Christ's attributes.

The other options do not align with the theological definition of sanctification. Justification relates to the initial act of God declaring a sinner righteous but does not describe the ongoing transformation that sanctification involves. Public confession, while important in the life of the church and for accountability, is not the essence of sanctification. Lastly, while believers do encounter struggles against temptation, defining sanctification purely as a struggle overlooks the powerful and positive aspect of God’s loving work in transforming individuals.