Who Do We Worship - P4

Worship Articles by Russell Henderson Contributing Writer September 27, 2011

Sanctification is a word that we don't hear preached in our pulpits much these days, but it is a vital ingredient in the life of any worshipper, not to mention any follower of Christ. In our 21st century world we have entire denominations whose whole doctrine centers around this one concept, and at the same time we have other denominations departing from this teaching entirely. Let's take a look now and find out how this concept applies to us as worshippers and Christ followers.

The biblical definition of the word ‘sanctify' centers around three other main words: clean, set apart, and holy. Webster's definition is almost identical: (1) to set apart to a sacred purpose, (2) to free from sin (3) to make productive of holiness or piety. In other words when God says in verse 8 of Leviticus 20 that He is the "Lord who sanctifies" that means he cleanses us of sin, He sets us apart for His purpose, and He makes us holy.

To understand this character of God a little better let's study what it means when God calls himself "The Lord who sanctifies". 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Two verses earlier in verse 7 John says, "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:26, "Christ...loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word...." Finally, Titus 2:14 says, "Jesus Christ....gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

The opportunity for cleansing and holiness now is available to all of us because of the blood and word of Jesus Christ. He is indeed "The Lord who sanctifies." But we must understand that sanctification is not only a cleansing process, but it is also a process of being called out and separated by God himself. This is where we come into play. When God tells us in His word that He will sanctify, He has bound Himself to that word. He must act upon it. But there is also a role in this drama that we must play.

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