THE ORIGINAL SANCTIFICATION- BY PASTOR GREG ELKAN

_And of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us…sanctification._ – 1Co1:30  

The term “sanctification” in the Bible is a translation of the Greek word, _“hagiasmos”_ – a term that broadly means “purity”. Wherever _“hagiasmos”_ occurs in the Bible, the English translators translate it as “sanctification” half the time, and the other half as “holiness.” Thus sanctification and holiness are essentially two ways of saying the same thing. 

We all know what these two terms mean with respect Believers. Whenever we hear of holiness and sanctification, we know we are talking about our character, our behaviour, our manner of living among unbelievers… our distinction from the world. 

But there is _another_ kind of sanctification that scripture talks about that doesn’t get much attention: it’s the sanctification that God does to the Believer. Indeed, this is the _original_ kind of sanctification. Anyone can decide to dress properly, stay away from sinful acts, and act holy; but except that person has been previously sanctified by God, all that behaviour is futile works and self-righteousness. 

Holiness literally means separateness, uniqueness, or distinction. In the Mosaic Law, when a cup, bowl or piece of furniture is declared “holy”, it means they’ve been set aside for a specific use – _and not for anything else!_

That is what God did to us at salvation: He called us out of the world and declared us “holy” and “sanctified;” in other words: _different!_ 

2Th 2:13 says we’ve been chosen to salvation _“through sanctification of the Spirit”_ And 1Pe 1:2 repeats the exact same phrase. Thus, it is God’s sanctification that makes us saved! This truth gives us a radically different perspective of our salvation. As a Believer, you’re literally holy – set apart by God, and precious in His sight. 

AMEN...

PASTOR GREG ELKAN

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.