Catechism for Young Children · Question 51 of 145

What is sanctification?

A.It is God’s making sinners holy in heart and conduct.

What does this answer mean?

Sanctification is God making sinners holy in heart and conduct, on the inside and in how they act. Justification is about how God treats us; sanctification is about how God changes us. It continues through the whole Christian life. God finishes this work when his people are with him.

What can we ask our children?

  1. What is sanctification?
  2. What two parts of us does God make holy?
  3. What is one way you would like God to change you?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.