Are You Sanctified?

Adam Evans

When we speak of being sanctified, or set apart, do we really understand the fullness of that statement? Many times in religious circles we use the term loosely. However, this term references not only those who are saints, but also the holy way of life.

When we obey from the heart that form of doctrine delivered, the precious gospel of Jesus Christ, we are added to the saved (Acts 2:47), the church. As a penitent (Acts 17:30) believer (John 8:24) confessing Christ as Lord (Romans 10:10), we complete our obedience to Him in immersion (Galatians 3:27). In this process of salvation, we are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son through the redemption found in His blood, the forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1:13-14). This new birth process is to be of water and the spirit (John 3:3-5). We reach that blood shed (Revelation 1:5) when we are baptized (Acts 2:38). It is through this process that we are saved (Mark 16:16; 1Peter 3:21).

But is this all to salvation? The Bible teaches that those who are living saved are saved. It is necessary to be a faithfully obedient Christian (Matthew 7:21-23). We must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). We must walk in the light to maintain our spiritual fellowship with our God (1John 1:6-10). Faithfulness is required for a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). Hence, being set apart for a holy or sacred purpose is essential to the Christian walk.

Unfortunately, many today are living what appears to be a faithful Christian life, however they are living as close to the world as possible. Christians today are falling into the mold of society, culture, and denominationalism instead of allowing God to mold our lives. “...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Today, if we were to line up adult Christians with those of the denominational world who are very worldly, you would not be able to see much difference. When we watch all the same shows, listen to the same music, participate in the same questionable activities, we are no different than the world. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).

Take the average school age child and place them next to one of their school mates. How much alike would they be? We push and push our children to be like the world so they will not be different. However, if they are of the world, they will be conformed to this world, which is the exact opposite of what God commands in Romans 12:2. We must strive to place before ourselves and our children the mold of God’s world (John 17:17, 19). When we shape ourselves into the righteousness of God and not the vanity of man, we are then sanctified.