"Positional sanctification" is that state of holiness imputed to the Christian at the moment of their conversion to Christ. Then there is "progressive sanctification" which refers to the process in our daily lives by which we are being conformed to the image of Christ. This involves putting off of the old habits of our old self and putting on Christ like qualities such as love, mercy and honesty. I describe it as dying to thyself by being put through fire for purifying. Think of sterilizing something to make it whole and clean once more. My life over the past three years has drastically and dramatically changed and I am no longer the same person I was nor does my life reflect or remotely mirror my old life. And it was one of the most scary, painful and even lonely/sad times of my life because it was such a long and slow process but that is the power of God and I witnessed the work of "thy hand" . Sanctifying is crucial if you desire a deeper relationship with God. We cannot stay where we were when we first believed, we must forever be moving forward and changing. Things that were once of you will no longer be desirable or tolerable. Whether it be in yourself or in others. You change from the inside, out. It is a miraculous journey that we all must face but it is not for the faint of heart. But our love for Him is worth everything for the cross tells us how much we are loved. Therefore we must act in obedience and become more like Him and less of the flesh. So I ask you, has your life grown and changed since your walk with Christ began? Or are you in the same place you were? Take the time to search your heart for it is so important that you long for things of God more than things of this world. I decided to display a full biblical illustration below that really captures the essence of sanctification and I pray it captures your heart. Be blessed today and everyday in Him.
Colossians 3: 1-10
3:1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is,seated at the right hand of God. 3:2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, 3:3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him. 3:5 So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. 3:6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 3:7 You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. 3:8 But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 3:9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 3:10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 3:11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
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