SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT
By John C. Carpenter
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to the strangers scattered throughout
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of
the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:1-5). What is sanctification,
and is sanctificaton a single one-time event, or a process of change that occurs over time, or both?
PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION
In
verse 2 above, the word sanctification is translated from the Greek word hagiasmos, which means purification, separation unto God,
the state of purity, a purifier, to set apart, holiness, to make holy, or consecrate to. Unger's Bible Dictionary defines sanctification
as separation from the secular and sinful, and setting apart for a sacred purpose. Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology defines sanctification
as a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives. Webster's
New Collegiate Dictionary defines sanctification as the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after
baptism or conversion. Most view sanctification as an inward work of the Holy Spirit, which shows itself outwardly. In one sense,
sanctification methodically changes internally who and what we are, and in doing so changes the way we externally behave and live.
Bible
scholars generally recognize three types of sanctification: progressive, positional, and ultimate. The first type of sanctification
is progressive. Progressive sanctification is not thought to be a single event in time, but a day-by-day, lifelong process in which
the Holy Spirit directs and assists the believer to become more and more Christlike. Progressive sanctification involves the exercise
of spiritual disciplines, using judgment and self control in our daily choices, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit resulting in
gradual transformation and conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Sanctification pertains to how we think and behave towards God,
and our fellow man. In simple terms, it can also be thought of as the believer's daily striving, with God's help and guidance, to
behave in ways that are pleasing to God.
BE YE TRANSFORMED
Bible scholars teach that sanctification involves transformation,
or change from one state to another. For example, Paul teaches us, 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. And be not conformed [Greek,suschematizo, to fashion alike, be in the same condition, or conform to the same pattern] to this world: but be ye transformed [Greek,matamorphoo, to transform literally or figuratively, to metamorphose, change, or transfigure] by the renewing [renovation] of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to
every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:1-3). With Paul's definition, the believer is to become less like the world, and
more like Christ.
In revealing man's need for transformation, the Lord Jesus taught His disciples, There is nothing from without
a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man
have ears to hear, let him hear, And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into
the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging
all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed
evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy,
pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man (Mark 7:15-23). Progressive sanctification is the process
whereby the Holy Spirit methodically and powerfully works in the believer to eliminate the things which come out of him and defileth
the man or woman.
Writing the church in Corinth, expecially the Jews, the apostle Paul referred to the transformation from the
glory of one covenant, the old covenant, to the more glorious glory of the new covenant. Paul referred to the glory of the old covenant
letter of the law, which involves the ministration of condemnation resulting in death, and which was done away with and abolished,
to the far greater glory of the new covenant ministration of righteousness, performed by the Holy Spirit, which provides liberty from
the bondage of the old covenant law, resulting in life. Paul wrote, such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are
sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of
the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration
of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses
for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that
which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious,
much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses,
which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their
minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it [Israel] shall turn
to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Butwe all [Jew and Gentile], with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [Greek, metamorphoo, to transform
literally or figuratively, to be fashioned after] into the same image from [old covenant] glory to [new covenant] glory, even [specifically] as
by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:4-18). Paul summarized the transformation which occurs when he wrote, if the ministration
of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. Additionally, the believer, Jew and Gentile
alike, as well as those of the old and new covenants, are both and equally transformed into the same image of the Lord.
Regarding
sanctification of the believer in Christ, the scriptures also teach us, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the
end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves
according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy [Greek, hagios, be sacred,
physically pure, morally blameless or religious, to be ceremonially consecrated, or to be saintly] in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16). Again, the believer in Christ is to function not according to
our former worldly lusts, but according to God The Father's new standards of sanctification and holiness. As Peter summarizes, be
ye holy.
In writing the church in Ephesus, Paul also taught that the believer is to put off concerning the former conversation [behavior] the
old [Greek, palaios, antique, not recent, or worn out] man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed [Greek,ananeoo, to renovate, youthful, refreshed, regenerated, or reformed] in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new [Greek,kainos, new, regenerated, or refreshed] man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:21-24). With
the guidance, help, and power of the Holy Spirit, the believer is to strive to put off the old, worn-out man which is corrupt due
to deceitful lusts, and strive to become a regenerated man which God has created in righteousness and true holiness.
Likewise,
the apostle Paul also instructed the church in Colossae to put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him
that created him Colossians 3:10). Simply put, the believer is to be transformed into the image of God and Christ who created him.
CLEANSE
ME FROM MY SIN
The scriptures also teach that sanctification involves a cleansing from our old ways. For example, after his sin
with Bathsheba, David not only felt tremendous guilt, but clearly had a great need for cleansing and restoration of his relationship
with God. David prayed to God, Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender
mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions:
and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified
when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold,
thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall
be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalms
51:1-10). David desired to be washed, cleansed, renewed, and purged, all a reflection of God's sanctification process.
James,
the son of Joseph, and Jesus' next younger brother, gives us a great example of the biblical mandate for progressive cleansing and
sanctification. He wrote, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he
will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift
you up (James 4:7-10). Cleansing sanctification requires submission, resistance, drawing near, affliction, mourning, weeping, heaviness,
and humility.
John, the evangelist, also referred to the believer's need for confession, forgiveness, and cleansing when he wrote,This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If
we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness [hidden, deception], we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in
the light [truth, revelation], as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrigteousness (1 John 1:5-9). To walk in the light, or truth, refers
to our need for honest confession of our sin, resulting in God's forgiveness and cleansing.
HOW YE OUGHT TO WALK AND TO PLEASE
GOD
There are plenty of examples of progressive sanctification in the scriptures. For example, Paul taught, Furthermore then
we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God,
so ye would abound [Greek, perisseuo, to superabound in quantity or quality, be in excess, superfluous, to excel, have abundance,
exceed, or remain over and above] more and more [Greek, mallon, more in a greater degree]. For ye know what commandments we gave you
by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one
of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour (1 Thessalonians 4:1-4). Paul then added these further behavioral
instructions, But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk
honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).
Paul also taught that the
believer is to become a new creature when he wrote, whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for
your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And thathe died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2
Corinthians 5:13-17). In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul referred to the life giving work of God when he wrote, God, who
is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [Greek, suzoopoieo, to
reanimate, vitalize, or give life to] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; And hath raised us up together, and made us
sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6), and therefore speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him
in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15), so that the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:16).
Even before salvation, the sanctifying process of God the Father also changes the
unbeliever, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Acts 26:18). When the believer comes
to understanding and truth, and from the power of Satan to the power of God, he or she may then receive forgiveness of sins, sanctification
by faith, and the eternal inheritance of life.
To the church in Ephesus, the apostle Paul specifically mentioned the process
of cleansing and sanctifying of the Holy Spirit with these words: as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might
sanctify and cleanse [Greek, katharizo, to cleanse literally or figuratively, to make clean, to purge, to make clear, or to purify]it [the church] with the washing [Greek, loutron, a bath, to bathe the whole person, a washing, or figuratively a baptism] of water by
the word [Greek, rhema, an utterance, a matter or topic, narration, speaking, or saying], That he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:24-27). In verse
26, the Greek word Rhema is not a reference to the bible or scriptures, which do not cleanse or sanctify, but to the working of the
Holy Spirit, who does. In his letter to the Colossian church, Paul also mentioned the heavenly Father's sanctifying work on the unbeliever.
It is God, Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have
redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). To the Corinthian believers, Paul further explained,For God, who commanded the light [revelation of Christ and His Kingdom] to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). As the psalmist explains, He will
bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children (Psalms 115:13-14).
Our
heavenly Father's sanctifying work is easily seen in these words of Paul written to Roman believers: we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be [changed and] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom
he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans
8:28-30). God predestinates, calls, justifies, and glorifies believers so that all things work together to them that love God.
Referring
to himself, Paul said he was a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the
Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost (Romans 15:16). According to the teaching of the scriptures, the
believer in Christ is to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for
ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). The scriptures teach clearly that God the Father, through the ministry of Christ, is the believer's sanctifier
- may the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Thanks to God the
Father's work of sanctification of the believer - we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (1
Corinthians 15:49).
As a last reference, Paul refers to what could easily be interpreted as the process of sanctification in
the believer when he wrote the Corinthian church, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but
ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the [working and operation of the Holy] Spirit of our
God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION
Bible scholars believe that the second type of sanctification, positional
sanctification, is not a process, but an instantaneous event. It is thought to be a sanctification, a setting apart of the believer,
that occurs instantly and completely when one comes to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because of coming to faith in Christ,
the individual becomes instantly and completely sanctified because of his or her position in their relationship to Christ.
For
example, Paul wrote the believers in Corinth, ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble, are called; But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen
the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised,hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But
of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians
1:26-30). According to this teaching by Paul, once the individual comes to faith in Christ, the Lord, because of His death and resurrection,
and our faith in Him, instantly and completely becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
As Paul elsewhere
wrote, we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen
you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth [of the gospel message]: Whereunto he called you by
our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). The scriptures also teach us that Christ
sanctified Himself so that the believer in Christ may also be sanctified. Once the unbeliever comes to faith in Jesus Christ, Christ's
sanctification instantly and wholly becomes the believer's sanctification. Referring to His own disciples, Jesus Christ prayed to
His Father, I pray not that thou shouldest take them [My disciples] out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth [the word of truth, the gospel]: thy [gospel] word [Greek,logos, the divine expression, in context a reference to Jesus Christ and the gospel message of salvation through faith in Him, not
the bible] is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify
myself, that they also might be sanctified through [believing in] the truth [of the gospel message] (John 17:15-19).
Paul also
wrote the church in Thessalonica, we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath
from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth [a reference to the word of
truth, the gospel message]: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians
2:13-14). Paul also wrote unto Timothy, whom Paul referred to as his own son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2), Now the Spirit speaketh
expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking
lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which
God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and
nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word [Greek, logos, the divine expression
and revelation of Jesus Christ] of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:1-5). These verses could easily refer to God's instantaneous sanctification
of the believer. Because of his or her faith in Christ, the believer is sanctified instantly and totally through Christ, the gospel
of Christ, and prayer. The word of God in verse 5 is not a reference to the bible, which does not sanctify the sinner, but to the
word, good news, or message of the gospel, which does sanctify. In an earlier verse and context, Paul specifically identifies the
word as the gospel, which instantly and completely sanctifies, sets apart, or changes the unbelieving sinner to a believing and sanctified
saint: great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the
Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16).
The sciptures also teach, In that he died, he [Christ] died
unto sin once [for the sanctification of the believer in Christ]: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God (Romans 6:10). For Christ
is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with
blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath
he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of [and instantly sanctify] many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the
second time without sin unto salvation (Hebrews 9:24-28). Truly, Jesus appeared that he might sanctify [suddenly and completely] the
people with his own blood, suffered without the gate (Hebrews 13:12).
ULTIMATE SANCTIFICATION
Bible scholars also recognize
a third type of sanctification: ultimate, or what we can also refer to as eternal sanctification of the believer in Christ. Ultimate
sanctification is accomplished at the resurrection when the believer is completely transformed into the image and likeness of Christ,
and when the believer is therefore received by the Lord as completely justified, sanctified, and holy. As is taught, his type of sanctification
pertains to the redemption of the physical body, an eternal inheritance, and deliverance from the wrath of God.
Several verses
can easily be interpreted to refer to this ultimate sanctification. A verse which was also mentioned above could also refer to this
eternal and utimate justification of the believer. As Paul wrote Corinthian believers, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves
with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such
were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit
of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Paul referred to the believer's ultimate sanctification and its fruit when he wrote the church
in Ephesus: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places
in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before
him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his
will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation
of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even
in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after
the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after
that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his
glory (Ephesians 1:3-14).
The apostle John adds, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should
be [justified and sanctified and therefore be] called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away
our sins; and in him is no sin (1 John 3:1-5).
HATH NOT THE POTTER POWER OVER THE CLAY
Indeed, Jesus Christ is able to keep
you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24), but the believer in
Christ must humbly submit to and cooperate with all of God the Father's efforts to sanctify us. The believer is to work at it, and
not sit idly by. We are to be humble, pliable, and moldable to the life, working, and will of the Lord. We are His workmanship. The
daily ongoing process of God's sanctifying work can especially be seen in Paul's letter in the book of Hebrews. Believers must prayerfully
remind ourselves, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay [Hebrew, chomer, a bubbling up, a wave of earth, mire, cement, or a
heap], and thou our potter [Hebrew, yatsar, squeezing into shape, to mould a form, fashion, form, frame, or give a purpose]; and we
all are the work [Hebrew, maaseh, action, transaction, a product, business, that which is wrought, or workmanship] of thy hand (Isaiah
64:8), and, as Paul reminds us, Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another
unto dishonour? (Romans 9:21). As clay in the Lord's hands, the believer in Christ is to humbly submit to the will and work of our
heavenly Father. God's sanctifying process also requires interest, effort, and energy on our part. Jesus instructs us, Strive [Greek,agonizomai, to struggle, literally compete for a prize, contend with an adversary, to endeavor to accomplish something, labor fervently,
or fight] to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24).
Paul
also taught, Let not [negate, or do not allow] sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof(Romans 6:12) and to put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14),
and Fight [Greek, agonizomai, to struggle, literally compete for a prize, contend with an adversary, to endeavor to accomplish something,
labor fervently, or fight] the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a
good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12). The believer must also die; that is, he or she should no longer live to the
will of self, but let Christ live in and through us. Paul gives us the example - I am crucified [Greek, sustauroo, to be impaled in
company with, to extinguish or subdue passion or selfishness] with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians
2:20). Additionally, Paul plainly warns, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it (Matthew 16:24-25).
Jude,
the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, wrote to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ,
and called (Jude 1:1), exhorts the believer to earnestly contend [Greek, epagonizomai, to struggle for, compete for, fight, or labor] for
the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3). Concerning our need for conducting spiritual warfare, Paul wrote, we
wrestle [Greek, pale, to vibrate, send, strike, battle, throw down, or wrestle] not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Finally,
in his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul refers to warfare to be conducted by the saint: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,
according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare [Greek, strateia, military service,
or the apostolic career involving hardship and danger] (1 Timothy 1:18).
GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The believer in Christ
not only has a responsibility to avoid hindering God's sanctifying efforts in any way, but should, and must, fully cooperate with
all of God's efforts to sanctify us. Paul instructed the Thessalonian church, Quench [Greek, sbennumi, to extinguish literally or
figuratively, or to cause to go out] not the [movement and working of the Holy] Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things;
hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:19-23). The believer
in Christ should never do anything which causes the movement and working of the Holy Spirit to be extinguished in our lives. The believer
is commanded to grieve [Greek, lupeo, to distress, cause to be sad, cause to be in heaviness, or to make sorry] not the holy Spirit
of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
HE ALSO GLORIFIED
Last of all, the scriptures
offer plenty evidence of God the Father's sanctifying and saving work in the lives of believers. For example, Paul wrote the church
in Ephesus, you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of
this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom
also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and
were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even
when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made
us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-6). Jesus clarified to Saul that He was sending Saul to minister
unto the gentiles in order To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Acts 26:18). Paul also
exhorted the Colossian church to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:10-12),Paul also wrote the believers in Corinth how God has caused those called to believe to see and understand the light, the revelation,
of the knowledge of the glory of God: we [Paul and his fellow disciples] preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).
In submitting to God the Father's sanctification,
the objective for the believer in Christ is to come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). The scriptures also teach us, may the God of peace,
that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Make you perfect [Greek, katartizo, to complete thoroughly, to repair literally or figuratively, to adjust, make fit, mend, or make
prepared] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom
be glory for ever and ever (Hebrews 13:20-21), James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, adds let patience have her perfect [Greek,teleios, complete in labor, growth, mental and moral character, or to become of full age] work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing (James 1:4). God's sanctifying work is apparent in Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Paul explains, But God,
who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the
ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7). Peter
also refers to the sanctifying work of God when he writes, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5). Clearly, the scriptures teach, Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus
3:5). God's sanctification of the believer is well expressed in the words of Paul who wrote to the Philippian believers, Wherefore,
my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out [Greek, katergazomai,
to work fully, accomplish, finish, to fashion, or finish] your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh [Greek,energeo, to be active, efficient, effectual, powerful, shew forth self, or be mighty in] in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
The scriptures make it clear that God the Father's sanctifying work in the believer's heart,
mind, soul, and life bears magnificent fruit the fruit of eternal life and glorification. Paul reminds us, we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also
did predestinate to be [sanctified and] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover
whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified [and sanctified]: and whom he justified [made
right, innocent, and holy], them he also glorified [Greek, doxazo, to render or esteem glorious, make glorious, to honour, or to magnify]
(Romans 8:28-30). AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for him: And
he is before all things, and by him all
things
consist"
(Colossians 1:16-17).
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Much
more then, being now justified [found
by
God not guilty, innocent] by his
blood, we shall
be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we
were enemies, we
were reconciled to
God
by the death
of his Son, much
more, being
reconciled, we
shall be saved
by his life
(Romans 5:8-10).
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have:
for he hath said,
I will never leave
thee,
nor forsake
thee. So that we
may boldly say,
The Lord is my
helper, and I will
not fear what man
shall do unto me
(Hebrews 13:5-6).