Sanctification
We cannot sanctify ourselves because we cannot live the law of justice. Christ must sanctify us through the law of mercy and his grace. Law is an extension of God’s perfection, and those who obey his laws draw closer to God because they become more like God.
That is what John meant when he said:
“2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3)
Mark the major propositions in the scripture above They divide us into two states, the sanctified and the unsanctified, in other words the saved and the unsaved:
The following are those who are sanctified or saved:
· We are the sons of God
· We shall be like him
· We shall see him as he is
· Those who are saved are sanctified
· Christ is pure
· Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself
· Christ takes away our sins
· In Christ is no sin
· Those who abide in him obey his laws become sanctified
· Those who keep the laws are righteous as Christ is righteous
The following are the unsanctified or unsaved:
· Everyone who sins transgresses the law
· Sin is the transgression of the law
· Those who do not obey his laws have not seen him
· Those who do not obey his laws have not known him
· Those who disobey law are of the devil
The purpose of Christ is to destroy the works of the devil. In other words, to sanctify the world.
16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
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