Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as strangers in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
In sanctification of the Spirit ...  The Holy Spirit sanctifies "through the word of God" (John 17:17).  Thus, obedience to the gospel with the consequent indwelling of the Spirit provides the initial sanctification belonging to every convert to Christ.  Thus Paul was enabled to address the Corinthian church as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus"  (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11); but sanctification must be continued until the Christian is sanctified "wholly"  (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  "This phrase clearly is to be connected with the word `chosen.'"[6] This shows that God chooses only those who will consent to obey the gospel and receive the earnest of the Holy Spirit.