BEING SANCTIFIED
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
📖Scripture: “…sanctified by the Spirit… and sprinkling by Christ's blood…” – 1 Peter 1:2b
🔎Reflection: Sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing work of conforming us to the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29). It’s neither optional for the elect, nor is it automatic. The Bible reveals it as something we cooperate in. Cooperation is not to earn God's love or salvation, but the validation and evidence of a new identity and life in Christ (Phil 2:12-13; 1Th 4:3-4; 2Co 7:1; 1Ti 4:7-8; Heb 12:1-2; Col 3:5-10; Rom 6:11-14; Rom 8:12-14; 2Pe 1:5-8; Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-24; Heb 12:14). God uses His WORD, His people, and the refining fires of trials in and through circumstances to strip away sin and forge holiness (Eph 4:12-16). This is not a solo project; it is the Spirit’s work in and through the Body & Bride of Christ.
Yet sanctification is only possible because we have already been justified. Peter links the Spirit’s sanctifying work to the “sprinkling” of Christ’s blood—echoing Exodus 24:8, where blood confirmed God’s covenant with His people. At the cross, King Jesus’ blood secured eternal redemption for the elect (Heb. 9:12-14). Justification is once-for-all; sanctification is a lifelong process with no finish line this side of heaven. Both justification and sanctification are the work of the Almighty, firmly established in the perfect and sufficient sacrifice of God the Son.
This reality calls us to active participation and cooperation with the Holy Spirit’s refining process... especially when it’s painful. Sanctification exposes sin, confronts pride, and dismantles idols that are abominations to God. Sanctification isn't passive. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Cor 10:5, was speaking of active participation and cooperation in sanctification when he said, “We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” The process also fills us with the joy of walking in our new identity and freedom, which Christ purchased for us at the Cross of Calvary.
🤺Action: It’s never about the idols we’re willing to give up… It’s always about the ones we don’t: that's what ultimately hinders and undermines our relationship with God. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate and convict regarding areas in your life where sin still runs amok… especially the areas where you justify and rationalize it. Confess and repent of those sins, trusting not in a sin-recovery group, but in the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s blood. Invite a trusted and mature believer to walk with you in accountability toward holiness (Heb 3:13; Heb 10:24-25; Jas 5:16; Gal 6:1-2; Mt 18:15-17; Pr 27:17; Eccl 4:9-10; Gal 2:11-14).
🙏Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, refine me in Your divine, holy, and sanctifying fire. Remove the dross of pride, selfishness, and worldliness from every area of my life to transform me into the person I was created to be in Your eyes. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for shedding Your blood to cleanse me completely. Please teach me to yield to the sanctifying work of the WORD, and to rejoice in the freedom and purity You are producing in me… to the glory of our Father in heaven, Amen.
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Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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