1600. One in Sanctifying Saints

One in Sanctifying Saints

"This is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1Th_4:3).

1. The Father Sanctifies Saints

"Sanctified by God the Father" (Jdg_1:1).

"Whom the Father hath sanctified" (Joh_10:36).

Sanctification is not an act which one, in himself, can accomplish. Sanctification is the act of God whereby the justified and the cleansed believer is set aside for God's service.

This work is the work of the Father.

2. The Son Sanctifies, Saints

"Sanctified in Christ Jesus" (1Co_1:2).

"Christ Jesus * * is made unto us * * sanctification" (1Co_1:30).

This is a blessed truth. Sanctification can only be wrought in Christ Jesus. He sanctified Himself, that we also might be sanctified. Sanctification, however, is not only wrought by Christ Jesus or in Christ Jesus, but Jesus Christ Himself is our sanctification. The believer is so identified with his Saviour; the believer's life is so truly the life of his Saviour, that the sanctification of the Son becomes the sanctification of the believer.

3. The Spirit Sanctifies Saints

"Sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Rom_15:16).

"Through sanctification of the Spirit" (2Th_2:13).

We are sanctified by God the Father, sanctified in Christ Jesus, sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Have we therefore three Gods? For the work of sanctification, is the work of God. Nay, rather, we have three persons constituting one God.

The Holy Spirit sanctifies because the Holy Spirit is God.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR