Sermon Central
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Thy Great ...
Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008 (message contributor)
Thy Great Salvation
Sanctification
The truths relating to the application of God’s great salvation are grouped under three headings: 1.) Justification; 2.) Regeneration and 3.) Sanctification. The Bible tells us that, “It is God’s will that you be sanctified.” (1 Thessalonians 3:4)
The apostle Paul gives a commandment, “Be sanctified.” Sanctification is the process of being made holy. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ writes: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1: 15 - 16)
God’s commandment written to us through Paul cannot be more clear and there is no higher calling than to be in the center of God’s will.
It is important to understand that sanctification, holiness and consecration are synonymous terms. The word holy conveys the following ideas.
1.) The word holy conveys separation: Holy is a word descriptive of God’s nature and its root meaning is separation. This does not mean that Christians are to lock themselves up somewhere away from the world; rather they are to be in the world, yet not governed by this world’s system. Obedient Christians do avoid places, things and all influences that would cause them to sin and stray from God’s perfect will for them.
People of this world use their God-given talents, gifts and enabling to satisfy themselves. Holy Spirit-led Christians take their endowments and consecrate them to whatever will glorify Christ. Christian musicians and singers play and sing for the glory of the Lord. Christian artists and writers draw and write for the Lord. Christian athletes get involved in sports in hopes of witnessing to fellow teammates and fans. Concerned Christians get involved in community services to make a stand for Christ and not for their own self-esteem or image.
2.) The word holy conveys dedication: Sanctified Christians dedicate their property, finances and time to the Lord’s service. They know that everything they own has been given to them by God. (Genesis 24: 35,36) The gods of this world don’t get all their extra money, time and adoration. Their focus is on the cause of Christ.
3.) The word holy conveys purification: 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God can and will do more than forgive our sins, He will cleanse obedient Christians from the sins that would destroy or keep them from enjoying fellowship with God. The Greek word for purification pictures an act of cleansing from the pollution of sin so that a new life of holiness may begin. God immediately forgives repentant sinners and by the Holy Spirit’s cleansing power Christians are delivered from the dominion of sin.
God wants His best for you. It begins by accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Allow the Holy Spirit to regenerate you and sanctify you. “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”
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