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1 Peter 1:2
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. A person’s deep, private interpersonal relationship with Almighty God is revealed by the doctrine of sanctification. People don’t have to judge, all they have to do is watch! It’s the doctrine that teaches a person who claims to be a Christian, but lives an unholy life is in fact blaspheming God. This doctrine is why a person can’t say they are a Christian and live like they are not!
- THE MEANING OF SANCTIFICATION. Stated as simply as possible, sanctification is an act of God where He sets a believer apart from sin to Himself. Notice it is an act of God, not of man. If God doesn’t set us apart from sin and sinfulness, we have no hope. Let’s consider
- THE METHOD OF SANCTIFICATION. First note sanctification is a process according to the will of God. Read 1 Thess. 4:3. I discussed that on Father’s Day telling you sanctification is the will of God for all men. The truth is God expects His children to be sanctified. Nowhere does Scripture ever give us the right to pick and choose when, where, or how much of our character we allow God to change. Rom. 12:1, 2 address the physical, spiritual and mental parts of us, which means our total self is to be sanctified. So the question is, why wouldn’t you, as a redeemed child of God, be less than genuinely excited about the truth that God wants to progressively make you to be like Him? Notice also we are made partakers of God’s holiness. Read Romans 6 which tells us that; then read 1 Peter 1:4 which say exactly that! When you “partake” of something what happens? Whatever you “partake” becomes part of you doesn’t it! Whether on the inside or outside, it becomes part of you. Notice in Heb. 3:1, 14; 6:4; 12:10 how completely the Holy Trinity is involved in your salvation and sanctification. From God’s viewpoint there is nothing anywhere to keep Him from completely sanctifying, separating, and setting you apart to be partakers of His divine nature. Nothing in all creation! So if that’s God’s will for you, and it is His commitment to you, why is it not acceptable and desired in your heart? Could it boil down to your own pride? Remember, sanctification is an act of God! As Such it is entirely designed by Him to be completely consistent with His nature and character. What that means to us on a daily basis is God’s sanctification process will be completed in all parts! Dear Reader, if you claim to be a Christian, you must also consider this great doctrine of sanctification. A redeemed heart doesn’t live a fun-filled, lighthearted, happy-all-the- time life! Sin won’t permit that! But a redeemed heart is a heart that is eternally, and daily, filled with inner peace, hope, and certainty no matter how bad the outward circumstances may be. Allow God all the freedom He desires to manifest the wonder working power of this amazing doctrine of sanctification.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
