Sanctification: Another one of those big scary church-words. The reason this word can be daunting or intimidating at first glance, is because it encompasses an entire biblical doctrine in a single word. It’s a word used to define the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, shortcomings and triumphs, the setbacks and progression of an individual Christian’s journey of faith. A comprehensive definition of sanctification by the New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833) states: “We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means—especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.”[1] Or, in 2024 terms - Christianity is not a one-time event - though we are saved and justified in a moment, we are continually “being saved”(not that we can lose our salvation), and if our salvation is genuine, then our lives will be shaped into the likeness of Christ more and more each day. There will still be sin and failure in our lives after we trust in Christ to save us, but he now lives in us so that we can overcome our failures and learn from our mistakes when they come our way. It’s a process of progress, that we would yield to the control of Christ in us to be molded into his likeness.
That’s where Peter comes in… Peter, a disciple of Jesus, overzealous with a sword in his hand and look of fear mingled with fury upon his face. As Jesus is betrayed with a kiss and his arrest is underway, Peter thinks the moment is NOW to stand up and stand against the tyranny, so he swings a sword and slices off the right ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus then reprimands Peter. Moments later, Peter finds himself in a courtyard DENYING that he ever knew JESUS to a servant girl and a couple of bystanders…The rooster crowed.
Many years later, that same overzealous, gun-jumping, cowardly man, penned a letter. While he was in Rome, under fierce persecution, he wrote to all of the Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout the region. He instructed and encouraged them to remain holy, to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel, to be bold and resolute, but to be all of these things in a patient, humble, and submissive manner.
The same man who sliced off the ear of an authority, is now instructing Christians to be submissive to all masters, leaders, and authorities. The man who denied Christ to some insignificant bystanders, is now boldly proclaiming his own sufferings for Christ and encouraging others in doing the same. What happened? He seems like a different person… because he is. Sanctification is about learning from past experiences for the glory of God. It’s a lifelong process that involves regular humble submission to Christ. What have been some “sanctifying” moments in your life? How has God changed you and shaped you from past failures and experiences? How is he shaping you now? The process isn't over.
[1] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Sanctification,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1898.
That’s where Peter comes in… Peter, a disciple of Jesus, overzealous with a sword in his hand and look of fear mingled with fury upon his face. As Jesus is betrayed with a kiss and his arrest is underway, Peter thinks the moment is NOW to stand up and stand against the tyranny, so he swings a sword and slices off the right ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus then reprimands Peter. Moments later, Peter finds himself in a courtyard DENYING that he ever knew JESUS to a servant girl and a couple of bystanders…The rooster crowed.
Many years later, that same overzealous, gun-jumping, cowardly man, penned a letter. While he was in Rome, under fierce persecution, he wrote to all of the Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout the region. He instructed and encouraged them to remain holy, to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel, to be bold and resolute, but to be all of these things in a patient, humble, and submissive manner.
The same man who sliced off the ear of an authority, is now instructing Christians to be submissive to all masters, leaders, and authorities. The man who denied Christ to some insignificant bystanders, is now boldly proclaiming his own sufferings for Christ and encouraging others in doing the same. What happened? He seems like a different person… because he is. Sanctification is about learning from past experiences for the glory of God. It’s a lifelong process that involves regular humble submission to Christ. What have been some “sanctifying” moments in your life? How has God changed you and shaped you from past failures and experiences? How is he shaping you now? The process isn't over.
[1] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Sanctification,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1898.