Most of us who have reared children are familiar with the usual adolescent desire to be like everyone else, Naturally, the last thing any true Christian parent wants their child to be is like everyone else. More mature Christians realize that the majority of the world seeks forbidden ways of life, and that there is no excellence to be found in “sameness”. Rather, excellence is achieved only by distinguishing one’s self in manners superior to the world in which he lives. This is perhaps one of the ways we may describe the sanctification of which we are told we must be partakers. At Hebrews chapter ten, we are told beginning at verse ten that we are sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Later, at verse fourteen, we are told that the perfection made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus is afforded to the sanctified. I read in these two usages of the word also two applications which exist together. First of all, we are sanctified as an act of personal distinction in as much as we set ourselves apart from the sinful world. Secondly, e are sanctified as a Divine act in which we are freed of sin stains when washed in the blood and added to the family of God. The same text shows us that this sacrifice of Christ which made possible the removal of sin was something that was done once for all. This method of curing the sin problem with a single effective stroke never to be repeated was evidently the approach the Lord always desired us to take with regard to our personal sanctification. At Romans chapter six, we take note beginning at verse six of the figurative crucifixion of the sinful person that we were in favor of the new spiritual creature that we become in Christ. This is to be compared to the sacrificial death of Christ which was an event that never will be repeated, and the resurrection of Christ unto an eternal existence that never shall be interrupted. So sure, then, should be our resolve when we begin obedience to the gospel that we never fail at our keeping of that resolve. Again, as the offering of Christ was a sacrifice given once for all; so should also be our desertion of sin in favor of the holiness of life unto which the Lord calls us. At Ecclesiastes chapter five, Solomon expressed it this way: “Better is to not to vow, than to vow and not pay”.
Written and Recorded By: David Hayes Prophater