JESUS CHECKLIST (5)

JESUS CHECKLIST (5)

Of Sanctification - You are set apart, sanctified at conversion. Sanctification means different in the sense that we have been set apart. In Old Testament times the priest would wear a turban which had on it a golden plate. Inscribed on the plate were the words, “Holy Unto The LOrd”. This meant, among other things, that this particular individual from the tribe of Levi was set apart or sanctified to God’s purposes – Exodus 39:30; 1 Peter 2:9,10. When is one set apart? When is one sanctified? When does one become a saint? See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Sanctification takes place when one obeys the gospel - 2 Thessalonians 2:14. Sanctification takes place at conversion. But at the same time sanctification involves a process - Hebrews 12:14. Someone asked, how long does it take to become a Christian? It takes a moment and a lifetime.”

Without the pursuit of holiness, we cannot see the Lord. You just mark it down, if we obey the gospel but do not follow after sanctification and holiness, we cannot see the Lord. The implications of sanctification ought to affect the way we talk, for we should speak like Jesus. Can you conceive of Jesus saying the unclean, filthy, impure, profane, obscene, vulgar words that sometimes fall from the lips of professed followers of the King? Is that conceivable to you? If you really think about it, that is abhorrent, isn’t it? Sanctification is a principle that would broadly apply in our lives. It ought to relate to business ethics. It ought to relate to every area of our lives. You must come to the awareness that you are set apart for God.

Therefore, the Lord expects faithfulness from anyone who becomes a member of His church. Barnabas is described as “a good man, and full of faith [faith-full/faithful]” – Acts 11:24. The New Testament talks about “righteousness” and “self-control” – Acts 24:25. Peter told Cornelius, “The man who fears [God] and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:35). New Christians were encouraged “to continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22). So Christianity is a lifetime process, not just one-off thing.

Don’t get the impression that early church members were perfect. Still, as we examine their lives, we find qualities that we would do well to emulate. How would we describe them? They were: 1. Unselfish (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32–37; 11:27–30); 2. Loving (Acts 9:36, 39; 16:15); 3. Encouraging (Acts 4:36; 11:22; 15:32, 41; 16:40; 18:23, 27); 4. Happy (2:46; 5:41; 13:52); 5. Honest - a. A bad example: Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit (5:1–11). b. A good example: Stephen spoke the truth even though it cost him his life (ch. 7). 6. Courageous (Acts 5:41; 14:19; 21:13); 7. Expectant (Acts 10:42; 17:31); Although some fell short, as people do today, Acts shows how erring church members can be forgiven (8:22–24). As a Christian, watch your steps daily as proceed on this Narrow Way.

Word Affirmation: I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people - 1Peter 2:9a (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“How long does it take to become a Christian? It takes a moment and a lifetime.”

MIND THIS

Comment/Question: Please click here for Question or Comment