05/20/2021
It is the Holy Spirit’s job to sanctify us, but do we treat his presence too lightly, and deny him the full access to our spirit that he requires to make this happen... to make us holy? Do we as Christians seek to become better men and women in Christ, but stop short of committing ourselves to the pursuit of holiness, and perfection, that should be our greater goal? Are we satisfied with doing enough to be saved, yet fall short of pursuing sanctification, and holiness?
“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV
Sanctified means more than being saved, it means to be set apart and made holy. It is absolutely, and amazingly, good to be a babe in Christ, a new believer, and thus a part of the body of Christ, but that is meant to be the beginning of our journey as we walk out our lives of faith... there is so much more that lies ahead for us, and the Holy Spirit is prepared to lead us there.
We are sometimes called Christian soldiers, and that is an interesting comparison to me because I was born the son of a soldier, and knew this life for many years. Among soldiers there are ranks, or grades. Some are privates, while others are sergeants, lieutenants, and generals. A soldier’s advancement depends on the perfection of the duties required by his rank, and a demonstrated motivation to achieve more. Some excel and become generals, but most are satisfied to remain privates, or another of the lesser ranks. Yet, despite their rank or motivation, all are considered members of the same army. As Christian soldiers it is similar, some are new believers, while others are Saints, or rise further to become sanctified, and holy. The question is never one of what rank Jesus would have you achieve, but of how open you are to the Holy Spirit, and how much you desire to become sanctified, or holy.
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV
Paul wrote of sanctification by the Holy Spirit, and of the pursuit of such. He spoke to us of how Holiness was not limited to Jew, or Gentile, and today it is not limited to one person, or people, over another. No, we become holy by consecrating ourselves, by accepting Jesus as our Savior, declaring ourselves to be believers, then recognizing ourselves as sacred... the temple of God, and the body and blood of Chris Jesus. Is this the path we are on, and the will it be the culmination of our love of God? Are we longing to be holy as He is holy?
“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.”
Leviticus 11:44 ESV
Let’s look at our walk of faith today, and ask ourselves the hard question... “Am I satisfied with my faith as I am living it now?” Let’s determine if we have opened ourselves up completely to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and ask if we are truly consecrating ourselves. Is holiness our greatest desire, or are we satisfied with being a private in the Christian army?
“But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:15-16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ through whom we come to you, but thank you also for your Holy Spirit who sanctifies us, and makes us Holy as you are Holy. For these things we sing out in praise and worship, Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us, reconciles us, and makes us to be as you are; perfect and Holy. Praised be your name Father for your mercy and grace through Jesus, that draws us to your breast, and holds us forevermore in your eternal embrace. Powerful are you our God whose sword is mighty, and who uses it to separate us from the world and sin. Great are you who calls us each by name, and knows our heart’s desire. Amazing are you who can take a simple, damaged, and sinful person from within a fallen world, and make him to be holy, and perfect. Hear our prayers for your forgiveness, and hear our spirits as they pray with the help of your Holy Spirit to be consecrated, and sanctified... separated and holy... ready to be used to fulfill your will. Wash us clean with the blood of Jesus, and seat us at your table forever.
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7 ESV
Rich Forbes