“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13
The Bible calls it sanctification. Jesus calls it one with
the Father. John calls it perfect love. Paul calls it the love of
God shed abroad in our hearts. Throughout the scriptures, from Genesis to
Revelation, this doctrine of salvation through sanctification is found. An
incalculable amount of literature has been written on the doctrine of
sanctification, and the question: What is Sanctification?
As with any question, let us keep to the scriptures, for they
are the “words of life;” and in regards to this particular question: What is
Sanctification? I would like to start by plainly stating what it is not:
It is not the will of man. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
It is not obtained or sustained by the merit of man. (Ephesians
2:8)
It is not a “magic wand” for all your problems. (1 Peter 2:20)
It is not for a specific group of people. (Titus 2:11 &
12)
It is not after death. (Titus 2:11 & 12)
It is not forgiveness. (Acts 26:18)
It is not something you grow into. (Acts 2: 1-4)
It is not impossible. (Philippians 4:13)
In my opinion (now mind you, this is my opinion); most of the confusion
surrounding this doctrine can be found based somewhere in the above eight
notions, at least four of which are frequently debated among denominations
today. Three of which are a misconception, and the final one is
both. This last one I would like to focus on for the time being, the
notion that Sanctification “is not impossible.”
I believe and the scriptures affirm that is not a notion at all, or an opinion;
rather it is a fact from God. Sanctification “is not impossible”.
It is very possible and very attainable. In fact, it is the very reason
Jesus came and died on this earth: “Father Sanctify them through thy
truth, thy word is truth.”(John17:17) He went on to say “For
their sakes I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through the
truth.” (John 17:19) Now, before we go further, please
understand that Jesus does not expect you to never again commit “human
error.” If you promise your wife you will be home by five, but you get
stuck in traffic and come in at five fifteen….you did not lie. It is
human error, sin is not human error, and a sin is on purpose. When the
Spirit of God comes into your life and sanctifies you wholly, he will teach you
where the line between human error and sin lies; and he will work on that ole’
head of ours, AFTER he has perfected our heart. The reigning power of
Jesus Christ can indeed live within any willing, forgiven, human heart and give
that man or women the power to overcome sin. It is possible to live free
from sin with Jesus Christ reigning free in your life.
If perhaps even now, there is one or many reading and wondering, can I really
live a: holy, clean, pure, sanctified life? Ask yourself the same
question that Paul did to King Agrippa 8 “Why
should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the
dead?” (Acts 26:8) If God can part
the seas, clam the storms, stop the sun, create the world, and raise the
dead…..can he not raise you out of the dead works of sin? Indeed he can raise anyone out of sin.
The sanctified life is one of servitude, humility, dedication, trust, and
faith. To live a life please to God we must walk each day, not with the
mind of man, which is, the mind of might or will power; no, but walking each
day with the mind of Christ.
1 Peter 2:21-24
