329. 1TH 5:23. SANCTIFICATION

1Th_5:23. Sanctification

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly."’971Th_5:23.

Previously, we have considered, Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption. By the one, guilt is forgiven; by the second, the heart is renewed; and, by the third, we are received into the family of God Now, we are to consider the subject of Sanctification. In so doing, we purpose lo notice the nature, mode, characteristics, and importance of Sanctification.

I. The Nature of Sanctification

Now, the word sanctify, signifies, to separate from that which is common, and to set apart to that which is holy. Hence, we read of the sanctification of places, and things, and persons. The tabernacle’97its furniture, Exo_30:29. The priests, and the people also, Exo_28:46; Exo_19:10. Hence, we are called to sanctify the name of God, Deu_5:12. Now, spiritual sanctification has two parts:’97

1. The mortifying and overcoming the evils of our nature.

Now, this is clearly set forth by the apostle, Gal_1:20. This is also expressed, Rom_8:12, Rom_8:13. And it is exhibited in all its force in the experience of the renewed man, who is struggling against sin. See Rom_7:14 to end. Now, it has been said, that this applies to the penitent, and not to the believer. Impossible. See ver. 22. Then one part of sanctification is the resistance of evil’97the inward conflict against sin. Sanctification,

2. Is the consecration of the believer to that which is holy.

The life of God is implanted in the soul in regeneration; and sanctification is the perpetuation of this life. The dedication of the soul, to fear, to love, and to serve God. Now, thus sanctification includes, holiness of heart; spiritual habits and tempers; and the exercise of the soul in the duties of practical godliness. Let us observe,

II. The Mode of Sanctification.

Now, sanctification is attributed,

1. To the blood of Christ.

Now, the blood of Jesus is the meritorious cause of all our privileges and blessings. Redemption, peace, and holiness, are all attributed to it. By the shedding of his blood, all the means of our holiness have been obtained. Hence, sanctification is attributed,

2. To the Spirit of God.

2Th_2:13; Rom_15:16. Now, the Holy Spirit is the great effective agent who dwells in believers, and carries on the work of sanctification, &c. As such, he is compared to water, Joh_7:37-39. Also, to wind. John 3; and to fire, as such, he rested on the apostles, &c. "Quench not," &c. As water cleanses the body, and as wind purifies the air, and as fire refines the metal, so the Holy Spirit sanctifies the heart, &c. Sanctification is attributed,

3. To the word of God.

How does the Spirit sanctify? By the instrumentality of the truth. "Sanctify them by thy truth," &c., Act_20:31, Act_20:32. Now, the Spirit uses the word of God; and by this word sanctifies the soul. Duties, blessings, privileges, and promises are all exhibited here; and the Spirit applies them to the heart of believers. "As new-born babes," &c. "Let the word of God dwell in you richly," &c. Sanctification is attributed,

4. To faith and prayer.

2Th_2:13; Act_15:9; Mat_7:11. Now, the truth only sanctifies as it is received, as we exercise faith upon it. And by prayer we obtain the influence of the Holy Ghost. So that we see the harmony of the passage, "Work out your own salvation," &c. "For it is God," &c. See also how this is illustrated, 2Co_3:18.

III. The Characteristics of Sanctification.

1. It is progressive.

The doctrine of instantaneous sanctification is never hinted at in the divine word. There is no such thing as instantaneous manhood. New-born babe, childhood, youth, maturity, &c. No such thing as instantaneous day, twilight, dawn, morning, noonday. No such thing as instantaneous harvest, seed sown, spring, summer, &c. A building is not erected instantaneously.

2. Sanctification is visible.

Not that the essence of grace can be seen; but its effects are visible. We see that the tree grows, that its boughs and branches are extended. And that the river is wider, &c. The likeness to Christ’s image will be more manifest. Deadness to the world. Liveliness in religious exercises.

3. Sanctification must be entire.

"Sanctify you wholly." We are called to strive and labor for perfect holiness. To be holy and perfect, because God, our Father, is holy and perfect. This state will never be realized on earth. But we may attain to entire sanctification, as to its influence on the whole man. Where the understanding is growing in knowledge, judgment in truth; affections in lowly; mindedness; conscience in purity; will, in obedience; and when the heart, and lip, and life, are dedicated sincerely to God. When the body and soul are consecrated to God "a living sacrifice," &c.

IV. The importance of Sanctification.

1. Without it, the design of God’s love to us is in vain.

His love designed our restoration to his image, &c.

2. Without it, we are strangers to the Saviour’s grace.

He died to redeem. To save us from our sins, &c.

3. Without it, then, we are unacquainted with the Spirit of God.

We are to be the temples, &c. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ," &c.

4. Without it, we are unfit for heaven. Heaven is the region of the sanctified.

Sanctified employments, pleasures, company, &c. "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord."

Application

1. Let me urge believers to the vigorous use of the means by which sanctification is promoted.

2. Cultivate a close acquaintance with the word of God. Read, meditate, &c. Let it dwell in you richly, &c. The Psa. ist said, "Thy word have I hid," &c., cxix. 11. See also civ. 133.

3. Keep before you the model of Christ’s holy example. "He hath left us an example," &c. "His sheep hear his voice, and follow him," &c. "Let the same mind be in you," &c.

4. Earnestly seek the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God must dwell within us, abide with us, &c. We must be led by it; kept by it; sealed by it. Now, we must seek these influences by fervent prayer; must not grieve the Holy Spirit; nor quench the Holy Spirit. Cultivate the graces of the Spirit. Diligently attend the means of grace. They are admirably adapted to quicken us, excite us, strengthen us; and to excite ardent desire after the communion of saints in heaven.

Finally, Never be satisfied with present experience, or present attainments. See Php_3:13, Php_3:14. Let the subject comfort the feeble and discouraged. You mourn over past deficiencies, &c.; over little advances made. Lift up your heart to things above. You yet have the means of sanctification. "Give diligence," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS