WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 35 of 37

THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT

The salvation of God is of such a nature as to provoke the intrigue and keen interest of the holy angels, who are, of themselves, wiser and stronger than men (2 Sam 14:20; Psa 103:20). If this is all we knew about this great salvation, we should shun any simplistic approach to it, and forever cease from trying to frame it within a systematic theology.

The salvation of mankind is never approached casually in Scripture, or viewed as though it were without challenges. It is a marvelous display of Divine wisdom and power. It was framed in the halls of eternity, and is being implemented in an environment of hostility and weakness. All of heaven is active in this salvation. Those who participate in it are also involved with all of their ransomed powers. Indifference, disinterest, and a lack of involvement can never be the marks of those who are "saved." Salvation brings the strong God and those who were weak together. It joins a wise God with those who were foolish and ignorant. It makes the Sovereign of the universe and those who were His enemies harmonious. In these associations, the strength of God is experienced by the saved. The wisdom of God is given to them in Christ Jesus. The strength of the Almighty sustains them. All of this is done in Divine righteousness, with the utmost regard for the integrity of God as well as the need of man. It is reproachful to God, and a display of remarkable simplicity, to speak of such a salvation as though it were automatic, progressing onward with little or no effort on the part of the saved. The imparting of Divine characteristics to men addresses their involvement. In fact, their involvement is why these graces are required.

In this series, I have endeavored to confirm that man's participation is necessary--that the very nature of salvation demands it. I have dealt with the role of faith and the necessity of vigilance and diligence. Those participating in the salvation are not yet perfect, and have not yet apprehended that for which they have been apprehended. What we presently have are the "first fruits of the Spirit," and not the entirety of the inheritance. The whole armor of God is required, and we are warned concerning falling away, and a state that is "is worse with them than the beginning." God keeps us by His power "through faith," and we are to "give diligence" to make our "calling and election sure." Solemnly, the Spirit exhorts us to "labor to enter into rest." The inspired records of Eve's deception, the unbelief of Israel, and the fall of angels are set before us for our learning. Believers are told if they live after the flesh they will die, and that they must "abide" in Christ or face the consequences. There is no theological system that can explain these things away, neutralize their power, or cause them to become irrelevant. We are not in heaven yet! That is the condition that requires all of this revelation.

This brings us to the consideration of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. His involvement is not automatic, and is required because salvation is not instinctive. There is nothing about the natural creation or the new creation that runs on its own.

"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: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 2:13,14). "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ . . . " (1 Peter 1:2)

The salvation of sinners required their cleansing, the overthrow of the devil, and the opening of the heavens to them. It necessitated their conviction of sin, calling upon the name of the Lord, and bringing forth fruits appropriate for repentance. In their salvation, obedience is required. They had to be brought to believe the truth, and needed to be set aside for God by the blood of Jesus Christ. How is all of this to happen? Is it through human discipline alone? Does it simply happen without any effort on the part of those being saved? All of this, and more, is related to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

Sanctification is setting something apart for God–making it available for His use and glory. The concept of sanctification was developed under the ceremonial Law. The firstborn were sanctified to God (Ex 13:2). When the people stood before the Lord, they were first sanctified (Ex 19:10). Priests had to be sanctified (Ex 19:22). High priests were sanctified (Ex 28:41). The offerings were sanctified (Ex 29:27). Even the altar upon which offerings were made had to be sanctified (Ex 29:36-37). The tabernacle was sanctified (Ex 29:44), the laver, and all of the vessels and instruments associated with their use (Ex 40:10-11). God would use nothing, either personal or impersonal, that was not sanctified to Him–dedicated and made acceptable to Him. Nothing was to be assumed: not the offering, the altar on which it was presented, the utensils used in its preparation, or the ones performing the sacrifice.

An even greater degree of precision is realized in salvation, for it is an infinitely greater work. The Holy Spirit is the heavenly-appointed Sanctifier. His sanctification yields certain revealed results. First, there is the "belief of the truth" (2 Thess 2:13). This is the unquestioning embrace of "the record God has given of His Son" (1 John 5:10-11). It is preceded by an initial, and followed by an increased, "love of the truth" (2 Thess 2:10). The tender heart is "given to believe" through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Phil 1:29). Without this work of the Spirit we would not believe the truth. There should be no need to confirm the involvement of the individual in believing. The belief of the truth is not a form of spiritual automation. Let it also be clear, that the belief of the truth is integral to salvation. Where the truth is not believed, the Spirit has not sanctified the individual, and there is no Divine acceptance.

Second, the sanctification of the Holy Spirit results in the obedience of the individual. The Spirit sets us apart "for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood" (NIV). Without the Spirit, you could neither obey Christ nor be dedicated to God by His blood. Lest men be tempted to view obedience as a mere option, but not essential, the Spirit speaks clearly on the matter. "The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:7-8). Obedience will require all of your effort, and yet it requires MORE than that. Your obedience is dependent upon the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit! Too, if God is going to receive you, the blood of Christ must be "sprinkled upon you," thereby making you clean and affording you the privilege of coming into God's presence. But that will not happen unless the Spirit sets us apart for that holy work.

For those who "gladly receive the Word," there is no question about whether or not the Holy Spirit will perform His sanctifying ministry. God is not reluctant to so bless humble and contrite hearts. The Holy Spirit Himself is committed to doing the will of God, and joyfully so (Rom 8:27). All of this, of course, is meaningless if we are not sailing on dangerous waters, or occupying a hostile realm. We are absolutely dependent upon the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. With that in mind, the following texts become very weighty. "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thess 5:19). And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph 4:30). "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Heb 10:29).

We are not in heaven yet! But, by the grace of God, we will be if we heed these admonitions.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank You for the indispensable and effective work of your Holy Spirit.

-- Tomorrow: NOTHING UNCLEAN WILL ENTER --