SANCTIFICATION

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: (1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV)

Two words that are not used often in our modern culture are the words “sanctify” and “sanctification”. These words leave a bad taste in the mouths of many. They invoke images of people who act “holier than thou”. The world is quick to label Christians as “hypocrites”.

However, the subject of sanctification should be important to every Christian. For the Christian, sanctification begins with regeneration. Once we have been born again, there will be a definite moral change. We no longer desire to yield to the slavery of sin and we are no longer under the dominion of sin. We are sanctified in Christ, but “progressive sanctification” will continue throughout our lives. We must now yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ.

Continuing growth in sanctification, however, is no guarantee of moral perfection in this lifetime. Paul writes to the Romans: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:12-13 ESV)

We are never completely free of battling sin in this life, but we are no longer slaves to sin. Progressive sanctification will bear the fruit of a heart in love with God. We are never completely passive when pressured by sin and we are never without power. Paul explains, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV) When we die, our bodies and souls are set free of sin and made perfect in the presence of God. Only in heaven can we say, “I am without sin.”

As we grow in sanctification, we become more like Christ and experience the fruit of the Spirit which brings true joy and peace. We mature in holy appreciation of the excellence of Christ and even more as we see His character forming in our lives. We now taste the immeasurable love of our God in Christ and desire to be with Jesus in order to sanctify ourselves to His holy purpose.

Are you applying this knowledge of sanctification to your life? Are you pursuing holiness?