The Bible extensively describes this important doctrine. In particular, I call your attention to the Apostle Paul's letter to the Church at Ephesus, Chapter 4, verses 17-24. In this message to believers, Paul clearly spells out correction for their conduct. He describes for them a mode of living that should describe the Christian life. From this passage, I want to examine certain, sure, Biblical truths that Paul gives about sanctification.

The Author Of Sanctification
In these verses, Paul clearly identifies Who originated the idea of sanctification. Unfortunately, many of the household of faith cling to fallacies concerning its origin. For example, many believe sanctification is a sadistic plot by Old World religionists with a desire to eliminate fun. Others view it as something they do to merit God's favor.

The truth lies in neither of these conclusions. In fact, Paul makes it clear that sanctification originates with none other than God Almighty Himself. The section at hand includes 2 phrases or statements that confirm this conclusion.

Notice first the phrase in Ephesians 4.24: "...the new man, which after God is created..." Sanctification, or the ongoing progress of personal holiness, is the creation of God. It originated by His power according to His mind and will. Further, this statement includes the idea that it is molded after His likeness, His image.

Again, this section under study includes another statement that links its origin to the Godhead. In verse 20 it says, "But ye have not so learned Christ..." The purity that God created found its completion in Jesus Christ. He is the express image of God the Father, and all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him.

Further, Jesus not only lived a sinless life, but His message emphasized the need for entire separation unto God. For example, Luke 16.13 records the Lord's exhortation to cling to only one master. The Sermon on the Mount again shows His desire that His disciples seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.1

In fact, the Scriptures contain a multitude of references to prove that God Himself authored sanctification. The example from the Garden of Eden shows it. God created mankind upright and demanded holiness from His creation. When mankind sinned, God punished their disobedience. In addition, the emphasis of the Bible proves it. More than any other attribute, it reveals the holiness of God. Finally, the exhortation of Scripture calls for personal sanctification. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament issue the command:

Leviticus 20:7: "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God."

1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; {16}
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Does this describe how you view sanctification? Do you believe that it has its roots in God Almighty Himself? Do you see that it is His desire for His children? Or do you, too, hold to the false notion that it comes from an Old World emphasis and has no application now? Or do you, like many, believe that it is something done you to merit God's favor?

I believe that the Bible is abundantly clear: God Himself authored sanctification and has made it a demand for His children. Therefore, the Christian must make it his aim to give attention to God's desires and demands. It calls for a change in conduct to meet God's clear command.

The Aim Of Sanctification
Not only does Paul give evidence of the Author of sanctification. He also shows the aim or purpose of sanctification. He gives 3 specific commands that highlight the aim of personal holiness.

In the first place, Paul commands them in Ephesians 4.22 to "put off the old man." He uses the picture of the old man to describe their condition before they believed in Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 4.17-19 as well as in verse 22, Paul describes the manner of life of someone before the new birth. It is not a pretty picture: a depraved mind; an obscured understanding; alienation from God; spiritual ignorance from a hardened heart; a prisoner of filthy vices; and ruined by deceitful lusts.

From such, Paul says, turn away. Put them off, like you would remove an old coat. But, sadly, many believers today try to take Christ with no attempt to get rid of their sinful lifestyles. Sanctification involves repentance, a turning from sins of the past life. They no longer have a place in the life of the Christian.

In the second place, sanctification requires a renewing of the spirit of the mind. Note that Paul clearly states "the spirit of the mind." The spiritual nature of the mind provides the material of its thoughts, deeds, and actions. The progressive, continuous renovation of sanctification changes the bent of the mind.

This renovation affects all of life. For it causes the believer to put to death, or mortify, sin. It remakes the whole of our nature and transforms it into the image of Jesus Christ. It brings a holiness into the nature of the child of God that produces acts and duties of holy obedience to God.

In addition, the passage describes another purpose of sanctification in the Christian. Paul states it in this fashion: "put on the new man."2 Although it comes last in the list in this passage, it actually begins the whole process of transformation. For to put on the new man describes the implanting and realizing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in life. It begins the spiritual refining of the soul.

These truths do not stand in isolation in Scripture. In fact, space will not permit the listing of all the references that confirm these truths. But one other passage will certainly restate them. I refer to 1 Thessalonians 4.3-7:

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: {4} That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; {5} Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: {6} That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. {7} For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

Does this describe your aim in life? Or do you live as you please? Does your lifestyle contradict these Biblical demands? Has your life as a Christian produced a change in your life?

One cannot become a true child of God and live a life like the unbeliever. Biblical Christianity leads the believer to put off the old man, to renew the spirit of the mind, and to put on the new man. In a practical sense, it brings new desires and new conduct It progresses continuously in holiness to conform the Christian into the image of Jesus Christ.3 Old things pass away; all things become new.4

References

1. Matthew 6.33
2. Ephesians 4.24
3. Romans 8.28-29
4. 2 Corinthians 5.17
5. 1 John 1.6; Isaiah 59.1-2
6. 1 John 2.1

Bibliography