In our last article we were looking at living a sanctified life which is a life that is separated unto God and for God. There are tremendous blessings in sanctification. The believer needs to realize that redemption is threefold:
- Justification - Instant sanctification
- Sanctification - Progressive sanctification
- Glorification - Permanent sanctification
We have already received instant sanctification, which is justification, when we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This is a result of the work of the Cross and you simply believing in what Jesus did. We are heading to glorification which will be our permanent sanctification. I am sure you remember how we used to sing, 'I'll fly away O glory, I'll fly away'. In the rapture, one of these days our bodies will be instantly be changed, taking on incorruption and immortality. That is in the future. We have already received justification and are heading to glorification but in the present we are going through sanctification.
In justification our spirit man was instantly sanctified. In glorification our bodies will be instantly gloriously sanctified on a permanent basis. In the meantime, while you are on the earth, our souls need to be sanctified and our flesh crucified. The purpose of progressive sanctification is for you to be more and more like Jesus. The process of progressive sanctification which is achieved through the washing of the water by the Word and the conviction of the Spirit enables us to display the divine nature of God deposited in us when we received Jesus as our Savior.
In many circles when the word sanctification is mentioned it automatically triggers the idea of
- Women not wearing make up
- Women only wearing dresses and not trousers
- Men only wearing suit and ties
- And other man made requirements
That is not sanctification! Women not wearing make up is not sanctification but uglification. Sanctification is an inward work of the Spirit that affects the outward. It is not from the outside in but from the inside out. It is allowing and making the Word first place over your emotions and crucifying your flesh when you want to have a fit of carnality.
There are tremendous blessings in sanctification. Firstly this process allows you to display the nature of Jesus in life. Secondly it helps with your witness and testimony towards the unsaved as they see the difference in your life. Thirdly sanctification is a segue to operate under a greater unction and receiving promotion, We see these realities in the life of Jesus who epitomized a life of sanctification,
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Hebrews 1:9
Jesus loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Do you have the same disposition? Do you hate sin or do you justify sin in your life? These day there are many believers who justify sin - the sins of the flesh - in their lives. They cite grace as justification to persist in living in sin. The purpose of grace is to justify you from sin and not to justify your sins. Because Jesus hated sin, the Word says God anointed him and promoted him above his fellows. This is why I say to you,
Sanctification is the segue to unction, promotion, continuation and dominion.