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Romans 6:1-14
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. As I often do, I am following the outline of a conservative theologian gifted in writing concise outlines. Sanctification is presented in Scripture in 3 stages:
I. IT’S ORIGINATION. There are some indicators that help us know in our own hearts, and are visible signs to other believers that our salvation is real, not fake. One of the first outward signs is a desire to obey Scripture. Read Titus 3:1-11; and 1 John 3:1-10. Both these passages are teaching us that when a person is truly saved, there is an immediate change in their life and lifestyle. The point being made is that true salvation instantly changes a person’s desire to begin to learn to follow Christ more and more, and the world less and less. A second indicator is a definite break/separation from a sinful life and lifestyle. Read Rom. 6 which is perhaps the best summary of what sanctification is, and how a real Christian allows the Holy Spirit to separate them from a life of sin and sinfulness. There are 2 truths we must admit concerning our sanctification: First, we will never be completely free from sin in this life. The second truth is: We can never stop making every effort to overcome every sin that infects our life. Now listen, listen carefully to me! Neither of those truths can ever be used as an excuse to continue in sin. The desire to continue to become more like Christ is seen in the second stage of our sanctification which is:
II. MAGNIFICATION. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul teaches continued/ magnified/progressive sanctification in almost all of his letters. Note in Rom. 6:11, 17, 18, Scripture teaches the temptations of sin are less tempting. We are dead to sin, but alive to God. Read Col 3:5-11. As the sanctification process continues to engulf more and more of our life, our soul or our mind, will, and emotions begin to take on the character and nature of Christ. As it fills our soul with it transforming power, and our thoughts, motives, and intents become more Christ-like, it suddenly becomes outwardly evident in our actions and speech that we are letting God do His purifying work in us. Often that is when we realize the determination to live a righteous life is more tempting, than sin! One of the most exciting truths about our sanctification will be its third stage which is:
III. CONSUMMATION. The consummation/completion of our sanctification happens in two parts. First, at our physical death our souls are completely sanctified when they go to be with the Lord. The second stage is that our bodies will be completely sanctified at the Rapture. Read Phil. 3:17-21; and 1 Cor. 15:42-49. I believe that our souls and our bodies will be reunited/rejoined at the time of the Rapture. Of all the events that follow for the Christian, there is none that indicate our bodies and souls are not reunited forever! Sanctification is the doctrine that teaches we don’t have to judge whether or not a person is a real Christian; all we have to do is watch and listen for them to tell us. Lord willing, next we will look at how God and His adopted children work together in sanctification.
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