“Jesus was handed over to die for our sins. He was raised to life IN ORDER TO MAKE US RIGHT WITH GOD. Therefore, since WE HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him WE HAVE ALSO OBTAINED ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE IN WHICH WE STAND (histēmi: to cause a person to keep his place.) and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Rom. 4:25, 5:1-2)
When we accept, by faith, that Jesus died for our sins, we are saved, born again or regenerated. Now Paul talks about another “grace” that enables us to “keep our place” or to “stand”. In other words, this second work of grace empowers us to stay saved! It is called “sanctification”. “…now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, RESULTING IN SANCTIFICATION, and the outcome, eternal life.” (Rom. 6:22)
Regeneration is new birth; sanctification is growth in holiness. In regeneration, God implants desires that were not there before: a desire for God, for holiness, and for glorifying God’s name; a desire to pray and worship; a desire to love and bring benefit to others. In sanctification, the Holy Spirit “works in us, both to will and to work” (Phil. 2:13) according to God’s purpose, enabling His people to fulfill their new, godly desires.
SANCTIFICATION EMPOWERS US TO RESIST THE DEVIL…
-Bill Stockham