Sanctification is a two-fold truth

Sanctification is a two-fold truth.

First, our sanctification (being made pure, being set apart) is our fixed, secure and true standing before God, "in Christ." This is our positional sanctification … "Being in Christ." So, in one sense, and in fact, every true believer in Christ has already been sanctified, or made pure to God, by the work of Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit the moment we were saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1 Corinthians 6:11 ...and such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Secondly, we express practical sanctification in our daily walk as Christians, learning and living the Word, trusting Christ as He leads us on a path towards ever increasing purity; dying to ourselves and giving ourselves over to love and service in the Body. This is a daily progressive sanctification through a growing relationship and submission to His indwelling Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 ... 7 For God did not call us unto uncleanness [impurity], but unto holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

How can we grow in practical sanctification?

This comes by prayerfully studying, meditating and practicing His Word of truth.

Quote: "The Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance!"

David writes;

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way [keep his way pure]? By taking heed [being attentive] according to Your word.

Jesus prayed;

Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth (John 17:17).

Paul declares;

Ephesians 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her [the church] with the washing of water by the word,

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We grow in purity of spirit and character as we study and believe the sound, Holy Spirit inspired, doctrine for the "body of Christ," and then let the indwelling Spirit use that doctrine to work out of us a lifestyle that is pleasing to God, bearing "the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ,

As we increase in knowledge of the Word and discernment in the Spirit, the fruits of righteousness will automatically start to show. This is ONLY THROUGH CHRIST, THROUGH HIS DOING!

Philippians 1:9-11 "I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment; 10 That you may approve [allow] things that are excellent [in your life]; that you may be sincere [pure, genuine] and without offence till 'the day of Christ' [His coming for us at the Rapture]; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are BY Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God".

Every believer is to grow "more and more in knowledge" and right "judgment" being "filled with the fruits of righteousness." But notice who the Bible indicates is the source of this "righteousness" … these are "fruits of righteousness which are by (Gk. dia, via) Jesus Christ," who lives IN US and desires to live through us.

Philippians 2:13 "For it is God which works in you both to will and to do according to his good pleasure.".

Galatians 5:16 "… Walk in (union with) the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."