BE SANCTIFIED

Did you know that God calls you to be sanctified? Paul writes: "For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Paul also states that "it is God's will that you should be sanctified" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). What is sanctification? The Greek word translated sanctification is hagiasmos. It can also be translated holiness. To be sanctified or to be holy is to become like God in His Character. Paul is telling Christians that we are called to conform to God's Character. God is Holy and it is His will that His people be a holy people. "For I am the Lord your God consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44). Holiness is a matter of becoming more and more like the God who has chosen, called and saved us. It is important that we do not reject the fact that God wills and calls us to holiness. Paul writes: "So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you" (1 Thessalonians 4:8). We have received the Holy Spirit from God to live a life worthy of God. Paul proclaims: "so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12). The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us that makes holiness a real option for Christians. Listen to Paul's request for Christians: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Be sanctified!