SANCTIFICATION

"For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Heb10:14)

Devotion 7 of 16

THE MEANING OF THE WORD

Etymologically, "sanctification" is a broad word that can be translated in at least two ways. First, it is a condition resulting from Divine activity. Second, it is a process that involves human activity. Lexically, "sanctification" comes from the word hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-os), which means: (1) The process of making holy, dedicating, sanctifying; (a) as the operation of the Spirit making holy, causing to belong completely to God, sanctifying work; (b) as the careful moral behavior which expresses one's dedication to God a pure way of life, upright behavior, holy living. (2) As the moral goal of the purifying process holiness, right behavior (Romans 6.22).

Sanctification, therefore, is not the end itself, but the MEANS to the end. To put it another way, purity is the means by which we become acceptable to God, and not the end itself. To be morally pure--free from sin--is imperative. Make no mistake about that. However, the purpose for such purity is concourse with the Living God, who Himself is pure, and therefore requires purity.

There are two aspects to sanctification; 1) The act of separation, 2) The quality of purification. Both of these are merged together in our sanctification. Here is a text of Scripture that brings the two thoughts together. "Who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). In redeeming us from all iniquity, Jesus "sanctified" us. Thus, it is written, "we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb 10:10). In purifying to Himself a people zealous of good works, the involvement of the people themselves in maintaining separation to God is emphasized.

In salvation both cleansing and utility, or usefulness, are accomplished. In fact, purification is a necessary prelude to usability. Little wonder Isaiah cried, "be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" (Isa 52:11).

In the arena of government, an individual can profit as a part of the political process without being pure. The same is true in the realms of business, athletics, education, and entertainment. But this is NOT the case in the kingdom of God. The person with whom God is aligned MUST be clean; purified from all iniquity, and engaged in a hearty effort to maintain that purity.

In the salvation of God, there is no provision for remaining defiled, corrupt, and deficient. Of necessity, a "fountain" has been opened "for sin and uncleanness" (Zech 13:1). Believers are reminded, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This is not a luxury, but a Divine requirement! It is realized in Christ Jesus.

Sanctification, as I am using the term, involves being MADE clean--being washed, or cleansed from the defilement of sin. It also involves the appropriation of continual cleansing, and a practical separation from defiling influences. There is separation from sin and sinfulness, and dedication to God and holiness.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the sanctifying power of Christ's death. In His precious name, I now seek to appropriate grace to maintain moral purity, separation from the world, and continued involvement in Your good work.

--TOMORROW: WE ARE SANCTIFIED--NOW! --