Sanctification

I was at a Bible study when we were reading the scriptures and came across the word “sanctification.” I had to admit that I didn’t know what the word meant.

No one could explain it clearly, so we stopped and looked up the word in one of those old, huge dictionaries. Now that’s my kind of dictionary!

Sanctification is described as follows: to grow and change by a process of holiness; the stripping of self while being filled by God with godliness; a changing process; gaining freedom from sin; being set apart, renewed, and purified; and being converted into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Yes, this sums it all up. But how does it happen?

If we believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us, we must ask our self if we have truly given our heart to Him. If we haven’t done so, then we are still behind the driver’s seat of our own life. We need to allow Him to steer our life’s path for our conversion (or sanctification) to take place.

This change is different than anything else you’ve ever experienced. I know because it happened to me!

I could almost feel the changes. For example, I began caring for others more than ever before! In the past, when someone would ask me to help them, I was usually reluctant and maybe even unwilling. Now, when I think there is a need, and I know that I can help, I will offer, even before being asked! Now that was a big change in me!

To be truly saved, we must surrender to God and allow Him to sanctify us by renewing our mind and changing our heart for Him. We have to be willing to follow God and allow Him to change us through the sanctification process.

This process begins with our obedience to our Heavenly Father. He changes us to grow in godliness. He shows us how to follow Him by guiding our path. As we our changed, our focus will be on God.

We will see things differently when we have God’s perspective rather than our own selfish view. I can testify to the outstanding beauty from His view! Nothing looks the same anymore. Everything is so outstanding and beautiful, and even miraculous! The details are more intense. Can you see it yet?

When we accept the grace of God through our repentance of sin, a divine growth begins to take place within us. Now we avoid sin and turn away from temptation.

We were all created in God’s image, and sanctification is what purifies us to be Christ-like.

We must read the Bible to know God. We must spend time with Him in prayer. He fills us up with His joy, His love, and His peace, and He creates in us a “newness of life” (see Romans 6:4).

I remember so many times attempting to read The Bible and so many times, I would stop. It was one excuse after another. But when I stuck with it and made it into a habit, I could understand God more and desired to serve Him.

This new way of life is satisfying, unlike the fleeting happiness we may find in things and sometimes even in people.

You will find great joy in the Lord if you simply say “yes” to him.

When we allow God to sanctify us, we let Him guide our future plans. He will work them out for His glory by setting us apart in holiness. Patience is required!

“You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for Himself…” (Psalm 4:3)

God has created us for “good works” in advance (see Ephesians 2:10). God’s sanctification process creates a desire in us to accomplish these good works.

Living life set apart from the world is still living in the world, but it’s living with Godly goals and Godly obedience. It’s living with love and peace. The life of Jesus Christ, whose life in the flesh here among mankind, is our example.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21. — Please read more of this chapter for further understanding.)

Changes begin from the inside out. A true Christian’s life will not merely display something on the outside that does not reflect the “inner man.” Only hypocrites display an act on the outside that is not reflective of the inside. (See Matthew 23:25-28 and Matthew 7:20-23).

We must love and forgive. God opens our hearts to His love, and His sanctification process causes us to want to share the Good News of the Gospel (The Bible) and God’s love through His free gift of salvation.

The path is not always easy. Yet, God’s sanctification (change, growth, filling, renewing, and purifying) process is the only way. Only He can transform us. He imparts His strength in us to be holy, to think His way, to respect life, to desire goodness and truth to prevail, and most of all, to truly love Him and one another. God does require our willingness and our obedience.

Amazingly, from God’s sanctification process, we can, in turn, sanctify Him!

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Once you are saved and sanctified, sharing the hope of glory (Christ in us) will become easy, and you will have the answers to be able to share God’s love for mankind!

“… God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

I realized I was being sanctified when I no longer had the same desires or thoughts for my life. Think of how most everything in life has a place, for example: first place, second place, third place, and so forth. With me, God is #1 now. He has first place in my life, and everyone and everything else is in second place, third, ... Make God #1 in your life and He will sanctify you by changing you into becoming His follower, and He will cause you to live a full and satisfying eternal life!

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word).