Sanctified

“Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in us whereby our inner being is progressively changed, freeing us more and more from sinful traits and developing within us over time the virtues of Christlike character.”

- Jerry Bridges, Christian Author

“...brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God… Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”  

- The Apostle Paul, 1 Thessalonians 4:1

You have probably heard the statement, “God loves you right where you are, but He loves you way too much to allow you to stay there.” Growing in our relationship with Jesus is called sanctification. It means to be “set apart” and to be “made holy.” Our salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned or deserved, but we were never intended to stop there.

Salvation is not “fire insurance,” but the beginning of a process to become more Christlike. We are like a flower bursting into bloom, emanating God’s love to all those around us.

How do we become sanctified?

-       Spending time in God’s Word.

-       Spending time in Prayer.

-       Attending Church Services.

-       Participating in Worship.

-       Fellowshipping with other Christ-followers.

-       Participating in a Table Group.

-       Seeking God’s Wisdom in the Midst of Trials.

We are a work in progress, and although we will not become like Christ until He returns or calls us home (at which time our sanctification will be complete), while we are on this earth, God calls us to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

This means to have a high view of the holiness of God and a passion for growing in our walk with Him.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to live “more and more” in order to please God, for, as he writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “It is God’s will that we should be sanctified.” We are to reflect the character of God and the person of Jesus Christ.

As the late 19th, early 20th century preacher, William J. Seymour, put it so well,

“Sanctification makes us holy and destroys the breed of sin, the love of sin and carnality. It makes us pure and whiter than snow. Bless His holy name!”

Pastor Ken

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