But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
I Peter 2:9 NKJV
Scripture teaches how God made provision for the remission of our sins before we knew we needed it. Through the sacrifice of Christ, He has brought us into a perfected state in Him. Today, we will be exploring what this means for us and how we live our lives. (Heb 10:14)
First, we understand that holiness means “separate” and “sanctified”. Sanctification as used in scriptures signifies a distinction between one entity and another or a consecration of one from the rest. (See the usage in the following texts: Genesis 2:3, Exodus 13:2, 19:23, 2 Chronicles 7:16, Isaiah 66:17, 2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Thessalonians 4:4, and many more)
Just like the vessels in the temples of old were sanctified for use by God, believers in Christ have now become God’s sanctified vessels by faith (Acts 26:18). We are His living, moving temples, consecrated unto good works. Thus, we cannot afford to be commonized or regarded in the same category as unsanctified vessels. We have been set apart, so there must be a difference.
Sanctification is both positional and practical. A direct outcome of our spiritual state should be evident in our physical lives. Matthew 5:16 KJV says, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Folks, sanctification should be discernible!
So, the new man in Christ is perfected forever, and we believe this by faith. However, the works that men see him do is proof of the work God has done on his inside. Hence, our sanctification should be discernible in the natural sense.
In correlation to the above, Apostle Peter writes to the church saying, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)
Dear believer, you are sanctified! You are no longer susceptible to the sinful nature. You have power over it! Walk in this consciousness this week.
SAY THIS: I have been set apart, therefore, I live unto God. I am holy, so I lead a holy life. I am God’s possession, so I belong to Him now. I am sanctified, a vessel unto honor. My life pleases God and draws men to Him.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:16-25, Colossians 2:16-23, Psalm 128, 1 Chronicles 10-11