“…this is THE WILL OF GOD, YOUR SANCTIFICATION, for each one of you to know how to possess his vessel in 1sanctification and honor.” (1 Thess. 4:3-4) 1Hagiasmos: consecration, holiness, purification. As soon as we commit our lives to the Lord and are saved by grace, the devil begins to tempt us to turn away from God, back into sin. Paul teaches to, “…count yourselves to be truly dead to sin, but ALIVE TO GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore DO NOT LET SIN REIGN IN (control) YOUR MORTAL BODY…Do not yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but YIELD YOURSELVES TO GOD, as one alive from the dead…For SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU…” (Rom. 6:11-14)
Sanctification is the second work of grace, so very important for us in maintaining our relationship with God. We are given the power, by God, to no longer allow sin to have control over our lives, because, “Through Jesus we also have access by faith INTO THIS GRACE (Sanctification) IN WHICH WE STAND…” (Rom. 5:2)
HOW DO WE RECEIVE THIS GIFT? WE SIMPLY ASK GOD TO SANCTIFY US…
-Bill Stockham