STAGES OF CHRISTIAN SANCTIFICATION

                                     

Follow @wingrassnews `  Sanctification of the believer is one of the basic acts of God’s grace that moulds us till we attain unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, an exercise that is effected in three stages to make man perfect. Instantaneous sanctification: (Jn. 1:12; 1 Pet.2:9; Rom. 4:3-11; 5:17-19). As a man exercises faith in Christ, being converted and regenerated, by grace, sin is no more reckoned unto him. Having obtained forgiveness of sin by virtue of the blood of Jesus Christ, there is an imputation of righteousness freely through faith so that he begins to walk in the new vocation by the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit with whom the believer is sealed to confirm that he has now become a holy temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17). The family of God is holy (1 Pet. 2:9-10). A simple faith in Christ’s perfect righteousness conforms the believer to righteousness being purified immediately by the blood and the word of God. At new birth, there is instant purity but that is not all; (Heb. 9:13-14, 22). The believer is called to advance to the next stage, making progress in his new and holy calling. It should be noted that if for any reason the rapture happens immediately, many new converts will be raptured from the point of alter call, by grace notwithstanding the state of spirituality. Progressive sanctification: (Jn. 15:1-8; Phil. 3:7-16; 2:12-13; 2 Cor. 6:1; 14-18; 7:1; Heb. 6:1; Rom. 12:1-2; 6:1-2; 1 Thess. 4:3-7; 3:13; 1 Jn. 3:3,9; 2:5-6, 15-17; Lk. 9:23; Matt. 5:48). Having obtained this present holiness at new birth by the indwelling Christ, (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:17), the believer is enjoined to make progress in his spiritual life by seeking to excel in the knowledge of Christ on a daily basis; (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2). As one makes steady progress in the knowledge of the Lord and purity, there should be no satisfaction with past accomplishment to warrant stagnation. There must be unrelenting progress in holiness through mind searching by the Holy Ghost; (Ps.139:23-24) mind renewing with the word of God and cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ until we see Him in glory; (1 Jn. 1;7; 5:20-21) Progressive sanctification seeks to always exalt God in the beauty of Holiness and seeking to be like the Master everyday; (Matt. 10:25; Lk. 6:40; Jude 24; Rom. 10:4). One must strive towards perfection (Col. 3:12-14). Ultimate sanctification (Glorification) The earnest expectation of every faithful saint is to be clothed with glory. This flesh, this world and the devil will ceased to war with us when eventually mortality gives way to immortality, as we are glorified together with the Lord. At the time of the rapture, we shall ultimately be transformed and given glorious bodies, being redeemed from this world and translated into the realms of the angels. All struggles and travails of maintaining our sanctification in this present flesh, the world ad its demonic influence will end; (Matt. 12:25; 1 Cor. 15: 50-51; Rev. 20; 5-6). We shall be like Him at His appearing; (1 Jn. 3:2; Lk. 6:40). Ultimate sanctification can also be attained at the time of death, provided one dies without sin so that at the time of rapture, the dead in Christ shall be raised without sin unto salvation; (Heb. 9:28; 1 Thess. 4:16) . HOW TO GET SANCTIFIED AND MAINTAIN IT 1. Abiding in Christ; (The word of God). Jn. 3:23-24; 15:1-5; 8:31; Matt. 6:25-33; Job 1:20-22; Ps. 119:9, 11; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 10:35-39, 3:6-19. 2. Watch and Pray; Mk. 13:32-37; 1 Cor. 10:12; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:7-10; Rev. 3:11,15 3. Beware of Compromises; Prov. 7:24-27 4. Constant prayer; I Thess.5:17 5. Separation from self (Flesh), sin and worldly association; Lk. 9:23; click on the right hand side or left for more insight.