Tag: holiness

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 5

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Seven personal agents are used in sanctifying: God (Gen. 2:3; Lev. 21:15, 23; 22:9; John 10:36; 1Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:1). Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12). Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2). Moses (Ex. 19:10, 14; 40:13; Lev. 8:10-15, 30; 21:8; Num. 7:1). Joshua (Jos. 7:13). Priests (1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 30:24; Ex. 19:22). Laymen (Lev. 11:44; 20:7).

Man is the agent in sanctification 85 times; God 23 times; Christ 10 times; and the Holy Spirit 4 times. Man has as much to do with sanctification as God, for he is the one who decides to sanctify himself to God. Man and God work together in the setting apart process. Men are spoken of as being sanctified 75 times; material things are said to be sanctified 40 times; and God is referred to as being sanctified 14 times (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:12-13; 27:14; Isa. 5:16; 8:13; 29:23; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22, 25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27).

Fifteen commands to sanctify: Let priests sanctify themselves (Ex. 19:22; 1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 29:15, 34; 30:3, 5, 15, 24; 31:18). Sanctify them (Ex. 19:10; 28:41; 29:33; 30:29; Lev. 8:11; 21:23). Sanctify him (Lev. 8:12; 21:8, 15). Sanctify yourselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; Num. 11:18; Jos. 3:5; 1Sam. 16:5; 1Chron. 15:12; 2Chron. 29:5). Sanctify the people (Ex. 19:14; Jos. 7:13). Sanctify Aaron and his garments (Lev. 8:30). Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn (Ex. 13:2). Sanctify it (mountain, Ex. 19:23). Sanctify the breast (of the wave offering, Ex. 29:27). Sanctify the altar (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:10). Sanctify the Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13). Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob (Isa. 29:23). Sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:15). Sanctify the congregation (Joel 2:18). Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1Pet. 3:15). Not only are there commands for people to sanctify God, but complaints because they did not do so (Deut. 32:51; Num. 27:14).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 4

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart (continues): [8] The same people were sanctified many times so sanctification cannot be limited to one act (Ex. 19:14, 22; 28:41; 29:33, 44; 30:29; Lev. 8:30). [9] People have sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7). Did they take an old man out of themselves? [10] The same people that sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7) were also sanctified by Moses (Ex. 19:10-14) and by God (Ex. 29:43-44; 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16). Which ones took the old man out? [11] All the firstborns of Israel were sanctified at birth (Ex. 13:2; Num. 8:17). If the old man was taken out at this time, then none of them had an old man after that. [12] Sanctified disciples (John 13:10; 15:3) were further sanctified in the same sense that the sanctified Christ (John 10:36) further sanctified Himself (John 17:17-19). [13] The seventh day was sanctified without sin and cleaning being involved (Gen. 2:3-4).

However, if sin and filth are involved in a person or a material thing to be set apart unto God, then such must be dealt with to make it presentable to God.

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Sin is not necessarily involved in sanctification, because the word means ‘setting apart’. God has sanctified both people and material things, and even immaterial things. If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart: [1] Material things have been sanctified without taking an old man (refers to satan) out of them: (1) Bread (1Sam. 21:5); (2) The tabernacle and its furniture (Ex. 29:43-30:29; Lev. 8:10-15); (3) Priests’ garments (Lev. 8:30); (4) Houses and lands (Lev. 27:9-29); (5) Meat (1Tim. 4:3-5); (6) Solomon’s temple and furniture (2Chron. 7:16-20; 29:17-19); (7) Gates (Neh. 3:1); (8) Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:23); (9) The offerings (Ex. 29:27); (10) Herod’s temple (Matt. 23:17). [2] Holy persons have been sanctified who never had an old man in them: (1) God the Father (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:13; Isa. 5:16; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22-25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27; 1Pet. 3:15); (2) Christ (John 10:36; 17:17-19). [3] God’s name has been repeatedly sanctified without taking an old man out of it (Isa. 29:23; Ezek. 36:23). [4] Babies have been sanctified from birth before sinning (Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15-17; Gal. 1:15) and one never did have an old man in Him (Luke 1:35; John 10:36). [5] Heathen soldiers and husbands have been sanctified who never were followers of Christ (Isa. 13:3, 17; 1Cor. 7:14). [6] Believers sanctify God and never take an old man out of Him (1Pet. 3:15). [7] Christ sanctified Himself though He never had an old man in Him (John 17:19).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18) – (continues): Do not despise men (4:8). Love one another (4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (4:11). Work with your hands (4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (4:12). Have a bright hope (4:13-17). Comfort one another (4:18). ‘Sanctification’ [Greek: hagiasmos] consecration. Translated “holiness” (4:7; Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (4:3-4; 1Cor. 1:30; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

The doctrine of sanctification – a separation unto God FROM a profane, secular, and carnal use TO a sacred, religious, and spiritual use. The words “sanctify” and “sanctified” are used 132 times; “sanctification” 5 times (New Testament only); and “sanctifieth” 4 times (New Testament only) – 141 times total in Scripture: 110 times in the Old Testament and only 31 times in the New Testament A study of the various passages shows that to sanctify means to set apart from other uses to God’s particular use, not to cleanse from sin or rid of carnal nature (sometimes called “the old man” or Adamic nature). Even Christ, the Sinless One, was sanctified (John 10:36; 17:19). Where humans are concerned one begins to be sanctified when he begins to consecrate his life to God, and the process is continued as he continues in his dedication (1Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18).

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

‘Ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.’ Paul constantly desired their perfection in Christ (2:7, 11-12; 3:10, 13; 4:1-7; 5:12-23).

‘This is the will of God.’ It is always the will of God that we, first of all, serve Him as His representatives on earth (1Pet 2:21-23) so that others can be saved through the example we set in our daily lives as His followers. Where we live, work, who we marry etc. has nothing to do with His will, except that we are to follow His commandments with regards to living a holy (separated from worldly people, 1Jn. 2:15-17) life in righteousness and obedience (Jas. 1:22-26).

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (4:3; Matt. 5:32). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (4:5; Col. 3:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. That no man defrauds his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it is dealing with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (4:7; Rom, 1:24).

To be continued…