missions
What Does It Mean to Be Sanctified in Christ Jesus? 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 4
By John Piper at Desiring God
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
Before launching into his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes this local church as sanctified. What does that mean, for them and for us?Watch Now
Key takeaway What does that mean, for them and for us?
Why this matters
The concept of sanctification in 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 has significant implications for Christian ministry and missions. When Paul describes the Corinthian church as sanctified, he emphasizes their set-apart status as believers, distinct from the surrounding culture. This understanding of sanctification is crucial for faith-based organizations and missionaries seeking to spread the gospel and establish local churches. As ECFA-accredited nonprofits and relief organizations engage in missions work, they must consider the biblical meaning of sanctification and its application to the communities they serve. The Corinthian church's sanctified status, despite its imperfections and challenges, demonstrates that God's work is not limited to perfect or mature believers. This perspective can inform Christian charity and humanitarian relief efforts, encouraging organizations to focus on spiritual growth and discipleship alongside physical and emotional support. By grasping the biblical concept of sanctification, Christian ministries can better navigate the complexities of missions work and promote holistic transformation in the lives of those they serve.
About this story
Original reporting by Desiring God . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: missions ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Desiring God ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Before launching into his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes this local church as sanctified. What does that mean, for them and for us?Watch Now
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Desiring God and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Piper at Desiring God. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .