So let’s look at Sanctification.
The Period of Sanctification
1.Initial Sanctification – Occurring During the Same time as Conversion (1 Cor 1:2)This stage of sanctification is instantaneous and has a twofold aspect, positional and practical. It is synchronous with our acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior. The two aspects of sanctification included in this stage are very similar to – if not almost synonymous with – justification and regeneration, including conversion.
A. Positional Sanctification – as to standing morally, holy and perfect in Christ (He10:9,10,14)
B. Practical Sanctification – as to our state of being via a new nature with new desires and purposes (1 Peter 1:2)
C. Propositional Sanctification – as to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1,2)
2.Progressive Sanctification – Occurring through the Christian’s Walk with God (2 Cor 7:1) Justification differs from Sanctification thus: the former is an instantaneous act with no progression, while the latter is a crisis with a view to a process – and act which is instantaneous and which at the same time carries with it the idea of growth unto completion. For He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:2)
According to 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are being transformed from one degree of character or glory to another. It is because sanctification is progressive in that we are exhorted to “abound more and more” (1 Thes 3:12; 4:1,9,10) in the graces of the Christian Life. There is such a thing as “perfecting holiness.” God’s Gift to the Church of pastors and teachers is for the purpose of the perfecting of the saints in the likeness of Christ until at last they attain unto that divine standard. (Eph 4:11-15; Phil 3:10-15)
So again, Sanctification is a process in which the Lord uses for the perfecting of the saints unto holiness. This is the evidence that separates the sheep from the goats. This is the problem with the “Carnal Christian” Heresy. You see no fruit in most of these people. Don’t get me wrong, people still get saved in these false gospel churches, but that is in spite of the heresy. Eventually the Lord will bring them out of it. For the others, to tell them they are going to heaven because they said a prayer is as murder in the eyes of the Lord. You have convinced them that they are going to heaven when the are on the path of destruction! Do you call that love? Then, when they begin to doubt their salvation, you ask them if they wrote down the date of their profession and console them with this date as if it is their eternal security? The Lord wills that none would perish, but that all would have everlasting life. Yet, when you look at their life, there is no change. There is no conviction. There is no repentance. There is no fruit. Doesn’t that concern you. We will be held accountable for these things.
3.Complete Sanctification – Will occur at the coming of Christ! (I Thess 3:12,13) This stage has to do with the completion and perfection of the believer’s sanctification. He will then be entire, wanting nothing, like Christ in all things. He will be completely freed from sin and perfected in holiness. What a glorious day that will be, amen?
So again, to reiterate the point. Sanctification is the evidence of Salvation, not profession. Even Satan Himself believes in Jesus. In fact, so do the demons. This is not enough for salvation. Most peoples professions are just lip service to God. They say they know Christ, but the evidence of their walk with Him proves otherwise. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. When you talk to them about the things of God, they shun you or even get mad at you. Can the Holy Spirit that dwells in you contradict the same Holy Spirit that lives in them? No. Then why does the Gospel make those that “profess” to know Christ make them angry? I would then question their salvation.
1 Thess 4:7-8 states, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.”
There it is. Scripture says it right there. How can you despise the things of God and call yourself one of His children? You can’t. So let’s get to the point. There are many, many people who profess the name of Christ, but despise the things of God, not only with there lips, but with their lives also. If this is you, I want to take the time now to share the Gospel with you.
To be continued…
