333 WORDS….
Lord Jesus can only use us to the degree we are separated unto Him. Sanctification, then, is a serious matter.
How does God sanctify us?
There are two notable teachings floating around christianity, one true, one false. You decide which is which….
TEACHING # 1: How does God sanctify us?
Our “good shepherd” is sovereign, caring and fully capable to shepherd. Nothing happens to us outside His permission. We trust “all things work together for good”, including those inconveniences, even upsets – yes, including those major upsets – we all face. By the eye of faith we understand God is working out His plan for our lives through adversities. That’s why He doesn’t answer all prayers.
Have you noticed how distresses make us stronger? A pampered child will never become a responsible adult. An un-pruned tree produces inferior fruit.
The Potter has every right to do whatever with the clay. It is God’s intention to make us holy, enduring, complete. “What son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined…. you are illegitimate, and not true sons.”
All-powerful God could, but doesn’t, remove all pain.
TEACHING # 2: How does God sanctify us?
Jesus prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
Jesus didn’t pray: “Sanctify them by Your word AND by adversities.”
Jesus said to the apostles: “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (‘Clean’ bespeaks ‘sanctified’.)
Jesus didn’t say: “I sanctified you by the traumas you endured because of Me.”
All five ministries of Ephesians 4:11 – apostles, prophets, etc. – minister The Word, and The Word brings us “to the fullness of Christ”. The Word, by itself, is sufficient to sanctify!