Take Heart

Posted on February 21, 2013 by KD Manes under Sanctification

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” – Romans 6:2

At one of our girls’ Varsity basketball games, the fans joined the team in wearing red shirts that read:

“You must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Although the shirts referred to heart disease, I imagined the apostle Paul saying:

“You must be sick and tired of being chained to sin!”

As my family went cross country skiing last weekend, the Lord reminded me:

“If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins … who could stand?” -Psalm 130:3

With the snow reflecting the sun’s brightness, He also reminded me:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” – Isaiah 1:18

Because God alone is without sin, He alone can help us with our sin. God is not only holy, but also a gentleman. He never forces Himself in relationship with anyone. He does, however, long to forgive and comfort instead of punish us as our sins deserve (Romans 6:23). I am so thankful He is quick to forgive (1 John 1:9).

I used to be a mess (Romans 7), but now I am complete in Christ because of His perfect work.

Christ removed sin, which barred us from God’s presence and fellowship. We are justified, no longer guilty, when we accept His sacrifice through faith. God justifies―“just as if I never sinned”―through His Son’s blood shed on the cross. And, when Christ returns, He will make His children perfect (Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14). Now that’s reason to shout, “hallelujah!”

I love Big Daddy Weave’s song, Redeemed. You can view it on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ4jOX6f_1s.

Thanks for journeying with me.

God Bless,

K.D.

Like Father, Like Child

Posted on February 14, 2013 by KD Manes under Sanctification

The salesman nodded, “may I help you?”

“I’m just looking for my husband,” I said while scanning the store.

“Well,” he grabbed a nearby associate, “we have a few eligible ones left. What characteristics are you looking for?”

My cheeks burned as his words registered. Those within earshot had a good laugh. 🙂

Hmm, characteristics …

I could detail my husband’s great characteristics. I’d love to dive into God’s. But to stay on topic, I better stick with the “resultant state” God desires to see in us.

Herbert Lockyer writes about the developing traits in the one separated unto God:

There will be separation from all known sin and enmity to God (James 4:4).
There will be a growing resemblance to God. Our immediate goal is conformity to Christ (Romans 8:28, 29). Our ultimate goal is perfect likeness to Him (1 John 3:2).
Study of God’s Word will be a delight (Psalm 1:2, 3).
There will be a well-ordered life. Christ’s fragrance will permeate every phase of life (2 Corinthians 2:14).
There will be a steadfast resolution to follow Christ all the way. We prefer sanctity to safety (Job 27:6).
There will be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s fruit and favor (Galations 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:21).

These are the believer’s responsibility. What do you think the result of sanctification is not?

Every step in our spiritual growth of this practical sanctification brings great joy to our heavenly Father. I love the following verse:

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The following link shows Carrie Underwood singing, How Great Thou Art: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pLLMzr3PFgk.

I think it’s a great Valentine tribute to our Lord.

I pray that we grasp how great our Creator’s love is for us.

Happy Valentines!

K.D.

Separation Anxiety or Assurance?

Posted on February 10, 2013 by KD Manes under Sanctification

“Just jump,” my husband told me. But the water looked a LONG way down. And what if I belly flopped? Finally, I pushed past my fear and leaped. Needless to say, I was hooked. The joy of plunging into Lake Roosevelt from the top of the houseboat soon replaced my fear of heights.

Bible study can be like this, daunting at first, especially with long “Christianeze” terms. But it’s important to learn, especially for those who desire to become more Christlike. Also, it’s the only way to sift truth from various teachings. So I encourage you to regularly explore the Bible. It’s worth the time and effort.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sanctification signifies separation to God. What does this mean? Herbert Lockyer writes:

“Sanctify” is one of the words related to “consecrate,” and suggests not only a separation from but unto: Separated from sin unto salvation, from works unto grace, from hell unto heaven. It implies a purging from sin or the old leaven (1 Corinthians 5:7) and stands for a renewing (Romans 12:2). Thus a sanctified one is not only washed from sin, but adorned with purity.”

Positional sanctification is the privilege of everyone who has accepted Christ. We have been set apart by and for God. We are sanctified the moment of our regeneration* (Philippians 1:1). Jesus became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through trust in Christ, we make an exchange―our sin for His righteousness. Our sin was poured into Christ at His crucifixion. As the risen One on high, He is the Object presented to the soul. He is our sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11). His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. Jesus becomes our holiness and redemption as we are spiritually reborn. We (believers) have a living hope through Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Christ now lives in us through His Holy Spirit, (John 14:16-17).

*See definitions for words in red below.

I don’t know about you, but I have to let that soak in for a while …

If Jesus is the object of our sanctification, what do you think we―His children/believers―are objects of? What about the person who hasn’t received Christ as their Lord? What is he/she an object of? If you are in Christ, how or when did you receive Him as your Savior? How has He made a difference in your life?

Have a wonderful week!

K.D.

********************

Consecrate – To set apart or devote to God.

Regeneration – spiritual renewal or revival; rebirthed

Conversion – to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another

Redemption – to buy back; repurchase; to rescue (often from sin) with a ransom

Resurrection – rising from the dead

*This article is also posted in the Gospel Blog by FEBC at http://bit.ly/15zZHep

Sank-a-what?

Posted on February 3, 2013 by KD Manes under Sanctification

Sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion: noun, sounds like “saŋ(k)-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən” … not to be confused with “sank·a·va·ca·tion,” which sounds more like my daughter’s interpretation.

(This post article is also posted in the Gospel Blog by FEBC at http://bit.ly/13vG5Iy.)

I don’t pretend to be a theologian or philosopher. But I am a curious learner who wants―needs―to know how God’s truths work in daily, practical matters. So to make this concept clearer, I consulted Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament.

The translated Greek word Hagiasmos is associated with purity and holiness. It signifies (1) separation to God (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2), and (2) the resultant state, the conduct befitting those so separated (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7), (3) it is translated “holiness” in Romans 6:19, 22; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:14, (4) Sanctification is thus the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it. (5) Hence they are called “saints.”

“Saints”―really? Now that’s a difficult concept for me to wrap my head around. I’m very aware of the times I mess up and sin. How can a holy God view someone like me as a saint?

God reminds me: I can’t live the Christian life by my own efforts. Sanctification/holiness results solely from His Holy Spirit working in my life. I do have a choice, however, whether I grow or regress in my Christian journey.

For my next five posts, under the category Sanctification, I plan to dig deeper into the five areas listed above. Will you join me? I hope we can learn together.

What are your views and/or experiences on sanctification?