At MVBC we are in the middle of a five week series on the doctrine of sanctification. So far so good. We've looked at the definition of sanctification: it is the process of a Christian growing increasingly holy, increasingly Christlike. We've looked at the ground or reason for our sanctification: God himself. "Be holy, because I am holy."
A book that has been helpful in my thinking and one that you might find helpful, too, is Kevin DeYoung's The Hole In Our Holiness. This is a good book. Here's how he ends chapter five:
The Bible clearly teaches that holiness is possible. This is good news, not bad news. You have permission to see evidences of grace in your life. You are allowed (and expected) to be obedient. You will never be perfect in this life. You cannot do anything to earn God's love. But as a redeemed, regenerate child of God you don't have to be a spiritual failure. By the mercies of God you can "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Rom. 12:1).
He's right. It is possible to be holy! The Christian has been filled with the Holy Spirit. Now God is at work in the life of every believer. Consider 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I want to be sanctified "completely." I want to be prepared for the return of Jesus--not simply because I have placed my faith in him but because I have become more like him.
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