Salvation and Sanctification (grace, Holy Spirit, quote, God)
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I believe that salvation is easier to attain than sanctification. I believe this is so because salvation is the result of one decision; sanctification, on the other hand, is the result of many decisions.
Character plays a big role in both salvation and sanctification, but it takes more effort to become sanctified.
I believe that salvation is easier to attain than sanctification. I believe this is so because salvation is the result of one decision; sanctification, on the other hand, is the result of many decisions.
Character plays a big role in both salvation and sanctification, but it takes more effort to become sanctified.
Thoughts?
Absolututely, one is salvaged the other the divine nature. One is a gift, the other reward.
Least in the kingdom, or great in the kingdom.
I have always been puzzled when I hear people say that they were saved on a certain date and then they were sanctified on a certain date. It may be that I am misunderstanding the definition of sanctification. One of the definitions of the word is "to purify or free from sin". So if one is claiming to be sanctified, does that mean they believe they are now sinless? If that is what being sanctified truly means, then I don't believe it can be accomplished this side of Heaven.
I have always been puzzled when I hear people say that they were saved on a certain date and then they were sanctified on a certain date. It may be that I am misunderstanding the definition of sanctification. One of the definitions of the word is "to purify or free from sin". So if one is claiming to be sanctified, does that mean they believe they are now sinless? If that is what being sanctified truly means, then I don't believe it can be accomplished this side of Heaven.
It can be accomplished this side of heaven, as the kingdom is within us, and God has provided all things that lead to righteousness. We are counciled to go unto perfection.
One that is sanctified (holy, elect, perfected in love) would never boast, the humility would be so great, and the joy and peace so complete, that telling would not be an option. There are things that are reserved for those that see, and if one doesn't see, it is not a reality...
I agree with the thoughts given that sanctification can never be completed this side of heaven.. it is (or should be) a continual process. We strive to become more sanctified as God leads us. We can't "cleanse ourself" in a sense; often sanctification is a work of simply being obedient. Being obedient thru a trial is when we are tested.. and will do a work of sanctification. I've never seen a Christian yet who thought that they had finally reached complete sanctification! That doesn't mean that we are not completely where God wants us to be.. yet we still feel a need for growth.
IMO, we can't really separate "salvation" and "sanctification". One builds on, and is affected by, the other. When we refuse to be sanctified, our salvation is in danger.
It can be accomplished this side of heaven, as the kingdom is within us, and God has provided all things that lead to righteousness. We are counciled to go unto perfection.
One that is sanctified (holy, elect, perfected in love) would never boast, the humility would be so great, and the joy and peace so complete, that telling would not be an option. There are things that are reserved for those that see, and if one doesn't see, it is not a reality...
godspeed,
freedom
I understand that we are counciled to go unto perfection. But I don't agree that we can be sinless in this life. There is always something in our lives that needs addressing. It may not be outright sin, but there is always something that is not "up to standard" with God's ideal of perfection. None of us is perfect and we are facing a daily battle with temptation. The devil is going to be on the attack, and we can't afford to become complacent with the idea that we are beyond committing sin. In my experience, the people who claim that they are sanctified, are among the least humble people I've ever known.
I will live my life striving for perfection, but understanding that it will come when I walk through the gates of Heaven. Until then, I will listen to the voice of the Spirit as He convicts and comforts. I will resist the devil's ploys. I will do all of this with the knowledge that I am a sinner, saved by grace and I will fail occassionally, but will not give up. When I fail, I will return to the foot of the cross and receive the grace to get back up and continue the fight.
I agree with the thoughts given that sanctification can never be completed this side of heaven.. it is (or should be) a continual process. We strive to become more sanctified as God leads us. We can't "cleanse ourself" in a sense; often sanctification is a work of simply being obedient. Being obedient thru a trial is when we are tested.. and will do a work of sanctification. I've never seen a Christian yet who thought that they had finally reached complete sanctification! That doesn't mean that we are not completely where God wants us to be.. yet we still feel a need for growth.
Here is what John the beloved said...
1Jo 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
You are correct, it is not a path walked alone. It is a seekers path of asking, seeking and knocking...
Quote:
IMO, we can't really separate "salvation" and "sanctification". One builds on, and is affected by, the other. When we refuse to be sanctified, our salvation is in danger.
Many are called, few are chosen...the chosen are those that have the eyes to see, and ears to hear the greater teachings of Christ. The teachings of life everlasting, the teachings of doing the things that Jesus did and MORE...
I understand that we are counciled to go unto perfection. But I don't agree that we can be sinless in this life. There is always something in our lives that needs addressing. It may not be outright sin, but there is always something that is not "up to standard" with God's ideal of perfection. None of us is perfect and we are facing a daily battle with temptation. The devil is going to be on the attack, and we can't afford to become complacent with the idea that we are beyond committing sin. In my experience, the people who claim that they are sanctified, are among the least humble people I've ever known.
Did Jesus teach that we could not be like Him? Or did He command... Be thou Perfect, even as our Father in Heaven.
None of us have led sinless lives, true... Yet we are not condemned to live sinful lives. It is given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome all things, to have dominion over all things. To be one with the Father and the Son. Theses are things that come about when we Seek 1st the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The first requirement is that we believe that we can walk, even as He walked. If we think we cannot, then we cannot...
Thoughts are seeds, and how we sow, is how we will reap.
Quote:
I will live my life striving for perfection, but understanding that it will come when I walk through the gates of Heaven. Until then, I will listen to the voice of the Spirit as He convicts and comforts. I will resist the devil's ploys. I will do all of this with the knowledge that I am a sinner, saved by grace and I will fail occassionally, but will not give up. When I fail, I will return to the foot of the cross and receive the grace to get back up and continue the fight.
Great! remove all doubt and what ever you ask will be granted, according to His divine purpose.
Does God wish you to be a slave to sin?
Is He greater than the temptations and weaknesses?
Does He give us ALL things that pertain to godliness and righteousness?
1Jo 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
I agree.. But I don't pretend to know how to purify myself. Only God can show me what I need.
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