2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV) "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."
Sanctification is "to made holy through Christ and . . . to grow into and strive for holiness by cooperation with the indwelling Holy spirit until . . . complete conformity to Christ" (Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, pg. 105). Literally it means "to be set apart."
If we take a look at the Church of today we see basically three types of people involved in one form or another in the work of the Church. One group of people attends because it is what they have always done and have never truly put their faith in Christ or made him Savior, Treasure, and Lord of their life. A second group has a relationship with Christ, is actively pursuing Christ, and desires for His glory to be seen and revealed through their lives. The final group has a relationship with Christ but is very nominal in their understanding and belief in following Christ. It is this final group that I would like to comment on.
This final group makes many excuses as to why they are not growing in Christ or actively pursuing Him through the work of the Church: too busy, not smart enough, haven't gone to seminary, etc. The excuses are boundless and they are completely unjustified. Sanctification is not an option. It is not something that is only for special Christians who are smart enough to give the Latin definition of the word. When we put our faith in Christ or better said, when God pursues us because he "chose us as the firstfruits to be saved" we have no choice but to be sanctified.
So, this begs the question: If someone is consistently not actively pursuing Christ then are they truly a believer?
Click here for a powerful video on sanctification suggested by my good friend Paul Veal who pastors in Nebraska. Or check out his blog here for more on sanctification.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
John Calvin on the Unity and Distinction of the Trinity
"The Scriptures demonstrate that there is some distinction between the Father and the Word, the Word and the Spirit; but the magnitude ...
-
"I am the true vine,and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch tha...
-
"'Their idols are silver and gold, the works of men's hands' (Pss 115:4; 135:15). From the materials of which they are mad... -
Matthew 18:20 (ESV) "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." How frequently do you hear scriptur...
No comments:
Post a Comment