Thoughts for Life: Sanctification

Jean Oathout: Have you ever wondered just what "sanctification" means? Let's explore it today, to learn what it means from God's point of view.

When someone hears the Word concerning Christ's sacrifice for their sins on the Cross, some 2,000 years ago, and they believe it's for them [1], their acceptance of His provision for them seals their future with Him in glory.

They become pure and free from all guilt or evil; sanctification is acceptance by God, given through belief in the shed blood of Christ Jesus. We are then challenged to walk out a sanctified life, bringing honor to Jesus. (Photo by Lisa Buffaloe)

   When serious about our decision for Christ, we soon realize we are sinful and need to repent, (which is to have a deep godly sorrow for our sins.) As Christ Jesus forgives the believer, water baptism in Christ's name is to follow, thus proclaiming allegiance to Him [2-6]. They become pure and free from all guilt or evil, providing them true sanctification.

They'll received the availability of forgiveness on a daily basis [7] ,  salvation from being sent to Hell, and the promise of a glorious eternal life with Christ.

This begins the process of "working out our salvation"[ 6]. This is the challenging part of our New Life, as Satan is determined to damage or kill our faith so we won't mature and be a help in promoting Christ's kingdom, and to become a hindrance to what he's attempting to do to destroy God's Church.

   Our locating a Bible-believing and supportive group of believers in Christ is extremely important for us to become mature in our faith and thinking. Walking out our sanctified life is the continuing process to help us apply all that Christ's given to us, and to become more Christ-like in our homes and elsewhere.

To faithfully gather with other believers is the plan of God the Father for us, to learn to put His principles to work in our daily lives, as we glean from good preaching, teaching and private Bible study and devotions.

The best way to accomplish this is to mingle with others of like faith, learn from them and practice Christ's presence in our faith-walk. This will prove to be challenging, as we're all very self-centered, and used to doing things our own way.

In Rom. 5:1, it tells us that "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This gives us hope that we can become whole and at peace with God. Our lives can be greatly changed through the on-going process to become like Christ in our thoughts, actions and conversations.
[1] John 3:16; [2] Acts 2:38;[3] 8:36 b, [4] 37; [5] 10:47; [6] Rom. 6:3, 4; [7]1 John 1:9; [8] Rom. 6:23; [9] Phil. 2:12 [see below]

Prayer-

Praying hands

Father, believing in Jesus gives us hope that we can become whole and at peace with You.
Your acceptance of us through Christ, seals our future to be with Him in glory some day, as well as to walk with Him daily, preparing for that venture.
Through Christ, we become pure and free from all guilt or evil by His shed blood on Calvary. Then comes our great challenge; to walk out our salvation in our daily living.
As Satan wants to damage or kill our new-found faith, we need to find a strong Bible-believing church to attend, to have the support we'll need to become mature in our faith, and to be actively involved in Christ's kingdom locally.
This will be a challenge to us all, as we're normally very self- centered, and are used to doing life our own way.
We see our great need of Your help, Father, and we ask for Your Spirit to help us meet each challenge that comes; to make Christ-like decisions that please You.
I ask this in Jesus' name, and for His glory. Amen.

Today's quote and links-

~ Lisa Buffaloe- "The good news is, as a Christian, the process is an inward change, we are predestined to be conformed, called, justified, and glorified. The change is inward, taking place within the soul radiating out, transforming, renewing, redeeming, making whole – wholly loved, wholly accepted, and wholly restored." (From her blog post, Insecurity).

Sanctification is a Process

"We must receive each benefit of Jesus’ sacrifice personally as well as specifically, corresponding to and through the appropriate principles." (Taken from the Crackpot blog)

The Messy Process of Being Made Perfect

by Jane Ault

Today's Bible verses-

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (v. 16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Col. 3:15-16 (ESV)

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the bod of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:10 (KJV)

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Phil. 2:12 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians. 4:8, (NIV)

Today's questions-

How is your faith expressed? What is your allegiance to? Is your worship "half-hearted", because you aren't entirely sold out to loving and serving Christ?

We define our faith by the example of the way we live, talk and behave. We're called to be good stewards of the Lord, taking every opportunity to please Him; that includes our various ways to worship Him.

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

In this video, John Crowder addresses Paul's directive to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." What if the true meaning of this verse lies in fearfully not lifting a finger to religiously add to what Christ has done?