Be Sanctified
Biblical sanctification is a concept and discipline that is central to the Christian faith. It refers to the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, both in terms of character and behavior. The Bible teaches that all believers are called to be sanctified, and that this process is ongoing throughout our lifetime.
The word "sanctification" comes from the Latin word "sanctus," which means "holy." In the Bible, God is referred to as "holy" numerous times, and as believers, we are called to imitate His holiness. The book of Leviticus, for example, commands the Israelites to be "holy, because I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2) This command to be holy is not just for the Israelites, but for all believers in Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes about sanctification in several of his letters. In 1 Thessalonians, he urges the believers to "be sanctified in every way." (1 Thessalonians 5:23) In 2 Corinthians, he writes about how God has "made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6) This passage highlights the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in holiness, and to put to death the sinful nature that remains within us.
There are different ways in which biblical sanctification can be understood, but generally it can be understood as a threefold process: -Positional sanctification: refers to the believer's status before God, which is sanctified positionally by faith in Jesus Christ. -Progressive sanctification: refers to the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, as the believer is being transformed by the renewing of the mind. -Ultimate sanctification: refers to the future complete holiness which will be obtained when the believer is glorified in heaven.
Positional sanctification occurs at the moment of faith. When we place our trust in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous in God's eyes. This is possible because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins, and through faith in Him, we are given the gift of righteousness.
Progressive sanctification is an ongoing process that occurs throughout our lifetime. It is a process of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer, to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. This includes putting to death the sinful nature that remains within us, and learning to obey God's commands. Progressive sanctification is a gradual process that happens through the power of the Holy Spirit, and our cooperation with His work in our lives.
Ultimate sanctification will be fully realized in heaven when we will be completely free from sin, and fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. It will be the final step in our journey of sanctification.
Biblical sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It is the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, both in terms of character and behavior. It is a work of the Holy Spirit and our cooperation with Him, and it is a lifelong process that begins with our faith in Jesus Christ and will be completed in heaven. It's the work of God in us, transforming us from the inside out, setting us apart for his glory.
Are you transformed? If not, here are some steps to help, they helped me.
Pastor Jody
The word "sanctification" comes from the Latin word "sanctus," which means "holy." In the Bible, God is referred to as "holy" numerous times, and as believers, we are called to imitate His holiness. The book of Leviticus, for example, commands the Israelites to be "holy, because I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2) This command to be holy is not just for the Israelites, but for all believers in Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes about sanctification in several of his letters. In 1 Thessalonians, he urges the believers to "be sanctified in every way." (1 Thessalonians 5:23) In 2 Corinthians, he writes about how God has "made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6) This passage highlights the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in holiness, and to put to death the sinful nature that remains within us.
There are different ways in which biblical sanctification can be understood, but generally it can be understood as a threefold process: -Positional sanctification: refers to the believer's status before God, which is sanctified positionally by faith in Jesus Christ. -Progressive sanctification: refers to the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, as the believer is being transformed by the renewing of the mind. -Ultimate sanctification: refers to the future complete holiness which will be obtained when the believer is glorified in heaven.
Positional sanctification occurs at the moment of faith. When we place our trust in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous in God's eyes. This is possible because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins, and through faith in Him, we are given the gift of righteousness.
Progressive sanctification is an ongoing process that occurs throughout our lifetime. It is a process of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer, to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. This includes putting to death the sinful nature that remains within us, and learning to obey God's commands. Progressive sanctification is a gradual process that happens through the power of the Holy Spirit, and our cooperation with His work in our lives.
Ultimate sanctification will be fully realized in heaven when we will be completely free from sin, and fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. It will be the final step in our journey of sanctification.
Biblical sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It is the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, both in terms of character and behavior. It is a work of the Holy Spirit and our cooperation with Him, and it is a lifelong process that begins with our faith in Jesus Christ and will be completed in heaven. It's the work of God in us, transforming us from the inside out, setting us apart for his glory.
Are you transformed? If not, here are some steps to help, they helped me.
- Be honest with God about your shortcomings! Let Him know where you struggle and failed. He can lighten the burden.
- Read your Bible Daily! Eat spiritually before you eat physically. This will help you get to know God and what He expects of you.
- Pray to and with God. Imagine God is physically in the room with you and He is listening to your prayers. Lean on Him, praise Him, and let Him know your troubles. Then let Him know you are praying for others in your life.
- Repent of your sins. In your quiet time with God, the Holy Spirit will convict you of your sins, stop then and repent.
Pastor Jody
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2 Comments
Thank you very much for posting this. As a man who gets lost easily in literature. Short writings such as this will aid in understanding and retention. I understand the Holy Spirit will open my eyes as time goes on. But things like this will help Him show me what I need to see.
Good Word Justin.