Sanctification: A Definite, and Necessary Christian Experience

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Sanctification is a definite work of grace, subsequent to salvation.
Sanctification means to make sacred or holy; to be set apart for a holy or
religious use; to make free from sin or to be cleansed from moral corruption
and pollution. As a Christian experience, it is the act of God’s grace by
which the affections of men are purified to love God supremely above
everything else. Sanctification also means to be totally cleansed from moral
defilement. Man is born with moral pollution, and as such, he needs to
be cleansed from depraved passions. The believer, though saved and
called (1 Peter 1:14,15), needs to be cleansed from inbred sin. To this
end, we can also define sanctification as the “circumcision of the
heart”. It also means purity of heart (Matthew 5:8).” 


A misconception about sanctification is it is a gradual, rather than a
spontaneous Christian experience. Some believe that we grow into
sanctification. This is not true. As salvation and baptism in the Holy
Ghost are instantaneous Christian experiences, so is sanctification. We
do not grow into sanctification but we grow in the experience after we are
sanctified. Though a believer is made morally clean with salvation
experience, sanctification is a different work of grace, distinct and
different from salvation. It is consequent upon salvation. It is an
experience that can only be obtained by those who are already born
again.

At conversion, righteousness is imputed as the sinner repents of sin
and places his faith in the precious blood of Jesus that was shed for the
remission of all his sins. But not long after, the new believer, filled with
the joy of salvation, begins to notice some inclinations in thought and
desire toward the things of the world. He begins to grow cold towards
spiritual things. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of
life begin to overlap his pure spiritual desires. This shows the presence of
the adamic nature or the inbred sin. At salvation, the branches and
leaves of sin are cut off. But the root or stump still remains. Unless this
is uprooted by the supernatural power of God, it has the capability of bringing the believer back to the bondage of sin. This is where
sanctification comes in.  

Sanctification is necessary then because 
(1) God commands it (Leviticus
20:7,24-26; 1 Peter 1:14-16), 
(2) God demands it (Genesis 17:1). 
(3) It is
the nature of God (Leviticus 19:2) 
(4) it is difficult to maintain a
consistent walk with God without it (Amos 3:3; Leviticus 11:43-45), 
(5)
without it, it is impossible to love God supremely (Deuteronomy 30:6) 
(6)
it helps us to obey God and keep His word with a proper motive
(Deuteronomy 10:16). (7) In character and conduct, it makes us holy like
our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48). 
(8) It sets us apart as peculiar
children of God
(9) it brings us into perfect bond of unity with other
believers (John 17:17,21; Jeremiah 32:39), and 
(10) it makes us qualified
for heaven (Hebrews 12:14).

Christ’s disciples manifested carnal
tendencies at different times. Obviously, they were born again: Christ
declared that their names were written in the book of life (Luke 10:20).
These disciples, though saved, had certain blemishes in their lives that
made them different from the perfect Son of God they had as their leader.
They were selfish, high-minded, self-exalting and ambitious (Matthew
20:20-24; Luke 22:24-27). The needs of others did not arouse a deep
concern in their hearts (Matthew 15:22,23). They showed a critical,
judgemental and censorious spirit as they grudged Christ-honouring
suppliant (Matthew 26:7-12). They were impatient and vindictive (Luke 9:51-56). Moreover, their love for Christ was limited though they
professed high-sounding affection (Mark 14:46-50).


These traits of the old man that were present in the disciples can be
found in many believers today who are yet to possess sanctification
experience. God allows these manifestations to show us our need of
sanctification. Without the experience, we will see things only as they
affect us and defend ourselves at the slightest reproof. We will never
accept responsibility for wrongs done by us but always blame others for
our faults. We will not be happy when we are not commended on
occasions when we felt we have done something well. The unsanctified
always wants to be noticed. The manifestation of these traits in His
disciples made Christ to pray for the sanctification of believers of all
ages.

God has made adequate provision for the sanctification of believers.
These include: 
(1) the blood of Jesus. Jesus shed His blood for our
sanctification. 
(2) The word of God (John 15:3) and 
(3) the Spirit of God
(1 Peter 1:2).

When we are sanctified, the experience will produce changes in our
lives. We will know and others will know. 
(1) There will be the witness of
the Spirit in our hearts 
(2) The inner peace of God that passes all
understanding will permeate our hearts 
(3) We will begin to do things out
of pure motive; we will be guided by sincere and pure motive in all that
we do or say (Philippians 2:13-15); this makes us free from murmuring
and self-will. 
(4) There will be supreme love for God (Deuteronomy 30:6).
When we love God supremely, we will serve Him joyfully. We cannot
claim to have surrendered all and still complain about God‟s demands on
us. Sanctification makes us wiling and ready to do anything for God. 
(5)
It fills us with pure and sacrificial love for the brethren and sinners (1
Corinthians 13:48). 
(6) We will be entirely yielded unto the Lord – our
response to God always will be “yes, Lord, let Thy will be done.” 
(7) Our
affections will be set on things above and not on things on the earth
(Psalm 73:25; Colossians 3:1,2). 
(8) We will be sensitive to the Spirit‟s
leading and prodding. 
(9) We will manifest Christ-like humility
(Philippians 2:5-8). 
(10) We will be totally united with Christ and His
church (John 17:21-23). Sanctification, not ecumenism, is the only basis
for true unity among believers.

the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Pray, possess
and preserve the holiness experience to be able to enter heaven. 


This post was entirely extracted from Deeper life Bible Church “Search the Scriptures” (Volume 25 – the last study) outline.


The challenge comes to you and I. Thou must be sanctified! 
Be blessed!
-Charity