Sanctification is a word not much heard amongst believers. It is odd that it isn’t taught more since it is the very essence of the Christian life when living as God would have us live. The word means to be pure, be opposite of the world, and to be in a state of being that corresponds to God.

Jesus said, [John 8:23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.  In these words we find the distinction between the earthly and heavenly. Not being of this world however didn’t keep him from tempted. Those whom he met challenged his teachings and his saying he was from God. Thus Jesus was opposite of the world and lived as such which irritated a lot of people since his life pointed out their sin.

The writer of Hebrews wrote: [Heb 4:15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [Heb 4:16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Jesus not only was tempted and didn’t sin; he is ready and able to help those who will turn to him for help in overcoming sin so that they may be sanctified and continue to live in that manner daily.

Additionally, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:1, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  The message found here is simple. God says you are clean and now clean up your life by having the same mind of God. In a different way, see yourself as God sees you; and by your behavior others will see that you are cleaning the sin of the world from your life. The process is called sanctification.

In the book of Romans Paul expounded on the process of holy living beginning with Rom 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Service to God involves living a holy life and the way to engage in that service is seen in verse 2. The sanctified life of service to God is made possible by a change of mind that resists conforming to the ways of the world; and the new shows the way of God to be correct. Such living leads to the perfecting of holiness such as that which Paul wrote in II Corinthians cited above.

Undeniably, it is difficult for any believer to lead a life that is acceptable to God with all the ungodly temptations that beckon for victims. Even the most innocent of activities can enslave a believer when they take first place to God. Such activities may not be sin in and of themselves, but they contribute to sin when God is shoved to the wayside. The foregoing can be controlled by the act of not conforming to the ways of the world.  God wants us to enjoy life, but he wants to be a part of it.  As Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A new way of life with all things gone is the transformed, sanctified life of holiness.  That makes the believers not part of the world and identifies them as citizens of God’s kingdom where Jesus is the ruler for them who believe. As Jesus said, [Mat 5:16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

© 01-08-06 DEC

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