“Sanctify them through Your truth.” (John 17:17). “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The subject of sanctification is one which many, I fear, dislike exceedingly. Some even turn from it with “scorn” and “disdain.” The very last thing they would like is to be a “saint” or a “sanctified” man. Yet the subject does not deserve to be treated in this way. It is not an enemy, but a friend. It is a subject of the utmost importance to our souls. If the Bible is true, it is certain that unless we are “sanctified,” we shall not be saved. There are three things which, according to the Bible, are absolutely necessary to the salvation of every man and woman in Christendom. These three are justification, regeneration and sanctification. All three meet in every child of God: he is both born again and justified and sanctified. He who lacks any one of these three things is not a true Christian in the sight of God and, dying in that condition, will not be found in heaven and glorified in the last day.”
Excerpt From Holiness J. C. Ryle
(2 Corinthians 7:1)…..Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This is Paul’s natural conclusion to (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). If we separate ourselves from worldly thinking and acting, we are promised a closer relationship with God. It is the Promises and the Person of God that should motivate each of us to seek a closer, more consecrated and separated, holy walk with the Lord. We are called upon to “cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” so that we can perfect holiness in the fear of God.
It is no secret that God is holy, (Isaiah 6:3) says,…..And one cried to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Also (Revelation 4:8) says,…..The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” God wants us to be like Him in this regard (Leviticus 19:2) (Ephesians 4:24). Do we desire to be holy like God is holy? If we want to be like God, we will act that way (Ephesians 5:1).
We as believers are…..
- Elected to holiness – (Romans 8:29)
- Called to holiness – (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
- Created for holiness – (Ephesians 4:24)
- Holy Temples for God – (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
- To present ourselves as holy to God – (Romans 12:1-2)
The writer of Hebrews tells us that God chastens us so that we can be partakers of his holiness (Hebrews 12:10-14). He then exhorts us to follow after peace with all men, and holiness because without holiness in our life, we will not see God. We are to perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1), the Gr. Word for “perfecting “ means to finish or complete. So “Holiness” is separating from everything that can defile the flesh and the mind and then pursuing the very One who is Holy – (Matthew 5:48) (Philippians 3:12-14). Notice, we are to do all this in the “fear of God.” What does that look like?
- Hating evil – (Proverbs 8:13)
- Walking in alarm or fright, exceedingly fearful, knowing His terror
May this year be one of holiness practiced in our life.
[ptint-me]