Chapter 7 - Sanctification
Introduction
Sanctification refers to the process of being ‘sanctified’ or made holy (cleansed of sin and set apart for use by God). Okay, I have to admit, since our existence is dichotomous with a living body and a living spirit/soul, the process of sanctification can a bit convoluted as well as at times seem counterproductive. Perhaps the best way to describe the process is to see it in three different phases.
The process begins the very instant when someone repents of their sins and accepts Jesus as their Savior. At that time the person is justified, our spirit/soul through the work of God is made righteous given freedom from the penalty of sin. Even though free from the power of sin, our bodies can still sin and the ongoing process of sanctification begins. Believers strive not to sin by applying effort made with the help of God, but as one might expect, there are good days and not-so-good days (as everyone can still be influenced by lusts and temptations). This sanctification process continues until rapture or death. At that point glorification occurs and the person is given freedom from the presence of sin.
The Struggle
Does it bother you if I call the time between saying ‘yes’ to Jesus and the time of rapture or death (in other words ‘now’) a struggle? Please don’t get me wrong, the struggle I am describing here could also be referred to as spiritual warfare. Our days are filled with a struggle against our own lusts and desires, a struggle against the world’s tainted influences (things that can affect our priorities such as the pursuit of education, career, financial investments, etc.), and of course, our struggle against an invisible enemy.
In addition to providing for our salvation, Jesus gave us a model of how to live. If there was only one word that we could choose to describe Jesus, that word would have to be ‘humble’. A trait that is often downplayed by modern society, which all too often asks, “What’s in it for me?” As believers, humility is a good starting point which is closely followed by obedience. The apostle Paul wrote, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8, NLT) Note the words “He humbled Himself in obedience to God” (His Father). I am not suggesting pursuing death, but to pursue obedience, something the New Testament epistles can guide us through with discernment provided by the Holy Spirit. How can we obey God if we don’t know His Word? I am not saying just read the epistles, as believers we must know the entire Word of God, His whole counsel is critical to survive our time of struggle.
The Commission
Jesus also gave us an ongoing task which begins by first understanding that our number one priority is to serve Him, life is not about us, it’s about Him. As mentioned above He modeled how to live during our “life’s struggle,” in His entire ministry on earth He put the needs of others ahead of His own, truly a humble example to follow. In that line of reasoning He gave each believer the commission to spread the gospel message (see Matthew 28:18-28; Mark 16:15-16). Our dependence on God, our obedience to Him, and our trust in Him in all circumstances often demonstrates to others the reality of God, something they may desire for themselves. We need to be ready to give testimony of the hope we have in Jesus, just as Peter wrote, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).
We can conclude that this period of struggling during our sanctification process is not all about us becoming holy, but a time where God can use us to reach others that may have been inflicted with the same or similar disease, injury, pain, illness, situation, calamity, disaster, accident, etc. Instead of asking why you are struggling through something, pray that the end result will bring Him glory!
Glorification
This is the end result of all the concepts and words we have reviewed. Everything that was done in the past led to this moment (I can’t say ‘in time’ as eternity, which may not have measured time, has begun for us).
Believers get new bodies and everything else is recreated perfectly. Our future is assured. After the millennium we see eternity begin and everything is as God meant it to be from the beginning. The apostle John briefly describes the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem with words that truly inspire (see Revelation 21:1-22:5). God once again dwelling among His creation, a perfect God among perfect people.