One of the longer words of the Bible is often misused to label people for the wrong reason, namely popularity or for some misguided attempt to give glory to man rather than God. It is indeed a Bible word and carries with it a very serious application, one of “being set apart” or to be “holy.” In error, some think it means that one has reached a state of Christian Perfection.

Those referred to many times as Saints in the Bible were those who were followers of God in the Old Testament (Psalm 148:14, Deuteronomy 33:2) and Truth Believing Disciples of Christ in the New Testament (Romans 1:7). Saints were also referred to as those who had passed from this life and their spirit was with the Lord (Psalm 116:15, Matthew 27:52). Bottom line: Saints are Children of God.

To be Sanctified and to live a life as such, is to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;…” (Matthew 5:44). We are to strive to be perfect, “even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” We will not be able to obtain perfection in this life, but we are to seek it with all of our ability.

Notice the words of Paul in Romans 6:22, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” We are to lead “santified” lives, not in order to become a child of God, but because we have been made free from the condemnation of sin by Jesus Christ our Lord and should live a life which reflects what Christ has done for us.

Peter alludes to the calling of God for us to be holy, or sanctified in our lives of service unto the Lord. I Peter 1:15-16 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” A good way to follow Christ is to “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Dearly beloved of the Lord (II Corinthians 7:1), “let us cleans ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” To live a life of “sanctification” requires God’s people to walk away from the enticements of the world (sinfulness - evilness) and to cleave unto our husband (Christ) and be a chaste bride.

Why should we seek to live “santified” lives? “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…” (vs.3) “…ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (vs.1). Paul goes further in Thessalonians 4 by stating, “for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another” (vs.9), “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing” (vs. 11-12).

Dear Saints of God, take time to read the 5th. Chapter of I Thessalonians and Paul’s instructions to the church at Thessalonica. Specially verse 23, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” All of what we are to do in serving God is to be to His Praise, His Glory, and His Honor.

“Think About It!”