Sanctification (part one)
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines sanctification as, “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness.”
The word “sanctify” means to “set apart for God and His use.” It includes the concept of being changed progressively into Christ’s image. Gradually the Christian grows to have deeper Christlike affections, desires, virtues, and dispositions.
Sanctification is a work of God. It is an ongoing progressive work. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians, your sanctification is “the will of God.” If you ever wonder what God’s will is for your life, one thing you can be sure about is it is God’s will for you to progressively grow more and more into the image of Christ and be more and more dedicated to God and His purposes for your life.
