The word has has many interpretations, I realize.

But essentially (for the Christian) it means “to be made holy.” Or “to be consecrated, dedicated, set apart” (from the world.)

It’s almost easier to tell what it does not mean (impure, careless living) rather than what it does mean (loving God so much you try to live for him hour by hour)!

But look, sanctification is the Work of …

Jude Verse 1 … “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by GOD THE FATHER.”

Then Hebrews 10:10 … “We are sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all.

Now let’s consider 1 Peter 1:2 … “Through sanctification of the SPIRIT.” This too … “But ye are sanctified by the SPIRIT OF OUR GOD.” 1 Corinthians 6:11.

See the Reality here?

The Work of Sanctification is so important, so essential that the Godhead Totally participates in it!

The Father!

The Son!

The Holy Spirit!

Living clean lives for Jesus!

Yielding ourselves to the Lord constantly!

This thought too …

Sanctification is both a past and a present Situation!

You were sanctified back when you were saved, positionally “in Christ Jesus.”

You are still being sanctified day by day as you commune with the Holy Spirit, obey God’s Word, and adore the Lord Jesus! This is practical (as compared to positional) sanctification, something we seek for our lives!

Lastly, it is GOD’S WILL that we live sanctified lives!

Paul writing in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 … “For this is the WILL OF GOD, even your SANCTIFICATION, that ye should abstain from fornication” … and from every other form of sin as the Apostle continues to explain in this Text, his Letter to the Church at Thessalonica.

Wow!

We used to sing an old Church Song, “Take Time to be Holy!” Wonder where that went?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

.