Were: Sanctified — Tuesday
Hebrews 10:10
For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (NLT)
We began the Were teaching series with the message “You Were Washed.” Baptism is a big deal around Southland because it provides such a clear picture of new life as the old life is buried for good. Baptism represents a willingness to surrender, to be set apart (sanctified), and to be made new again.
In the Old Testament, only certain people (such as priests), certain places, and a few things were considered sanctified or acceptable to God. And the rules for how sanctification took place were innumerable. It makes sense that those who listened to Jesus teach, or who read the writings of Paul, would have had an extremely difficult time accepting that they were now sanctified and could be made holy. But I also know many Christians today who struggle to see themselves as being sanctified and holy as well. Too often, believers aren’t living out of their true identity in Christ. The writer of Hebrews makes a strong declaration that Jesus’ sacrifice was our invitation to participate in His holiness, once for all time. The work is done. That identity is ours to embrace. We are holy.
So why the need for the process of sanctification? Maybe we could think of it in terms of marriage. The day I got married, I was married. But the years that have followed have provided an opportunity for me to grow more in the awareness of the covenant I made with my wife 33 years ago. The years of battling my pride and selfishness, journeying together through joy and sadness, and ultimately choosing love, have led to an understanding of love for my wife I could never have imagined in my early 20s when I said “I do.” And like commitment in marriage, sanctification is an action we must willingly enter into, almost moment by moment. It is not forced on us by God.
Tuesday’s Reflection
Ask God to reveal any area where you may have hindered His ability to form you. What can you surrender to Him today?
