There are THREE PRIMARY MEANS in which we receive sanctification. God uses these means to change us as Christians.
- THE WORD OF GOD. “Sanctify them BY YOUR TRUTH. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) “You are already clean because of THE WORD which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3) Being exposed to the Scriptures also exposes us to THE NATURE OF GOD. When we spend time with God in prayer and in the Word, His nature penetrates us, causing us to change. “…we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are BEING TRANSFORMED (metamorphoō: to be supernaturally changed into a godly form) into the same image (as the Lord) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Paul is speaking to fellow Christians, “…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the SANCTIFYING WORK OF THE SPIRIT, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood…” (1 Peter 1:2) “…if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is LIVING IN YOU, He will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you PUT TO DEATH THE MISDEEDS OF THE BODY, you will live.” (Romans 8:11-13) “Now may the God of peace Himself SANCTIFY YOU COMPLETELY; and may your whole SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- THE FELLOWSHIP OF THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter (from ungodly things), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace WITH THOSE WHO CALL ON THE LORD out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:21-22) ”…let us consider one another in order to STIR UP LOVE AND GOOD WORKS, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham