“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”-John 3:5-6
Sin is the sum of two parts that make a whole. Like a weed plant growing in the dirt; it has a root and a branch. God’s plan of salvation deals with both parts. The branches of sin are sins committed. It is what we know is wrong and do anyway. That could be lying, cheating, stealing, etc. These are transgressions against God, that we knowingly committed. The root of sin is carnal sin. It lives in every person, and it drives us to commit sin. Without the destruction of both the root and the branch, sin will remain in you and in your life.
To truly be saved, one must first repent. That is to confess your sins committed and turn from them. Then one must seek sanctification. Which is the coming of the Holy Spirit of God into your life. This is sought through sacrifice. The giving up of all of who you are. Your plans, ambitions, wishes, hopes, dreams, loves, etc. With your whole heart you must give up your all and promise your all to God. By faith, ask God to sanctify you and give you the Holy Spirit. Once you do this, he will keep His promise (because of Jesus) and sanctify you.
This will take the sin out of your heart, and put righteousness in. This is how God deals with sin. Branch and root. He removes them altogether and sows instead the seed of righteousness; by which will grow up a tree of holiness in your heart and life. Love for God and love for your fellowman; this is the sanctified life. Sin moves out, and Christ moves in.
Q. Who can be sanctified?
A. All persons. Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”-Matthew 11:28
Q. What is sanctification?
A. It is the promise and plan of God: “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”-2 Thessalonians 2:13
· It is God’s love towards us. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”-Romans 5:8
· It is through Jesus’s sacrifice for us. “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”-John 17:19
· It is the Holy Spirit in us “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit”- 1 John 4:13.
· It is that which makes you holy (godly, righteous, free from sin): “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”-Romans 6:22
Q. When can a person be sanctified?
A. The moment after repentance (that is turning away from sin); when one has faith to give up all of himself to Jesus, and to ask for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Q. Where can a person be sanctified?
A. Anywhere. In church, in their home, on the side of the road; God sanctifies those who desire to be so.
Q. How can a person be sanctified?
A. They can be sanctified because of Jesus, and his offering on the cross.
