Question 159: By N. F. C.
Answer: It was on the cross that the work of atonement was done. The sufferings, death and blood shedding of our Lord met and satisfied all the claims of God’s throne against sin. God has raised Him from among the dead, and given Him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God.
His resurrection is the proof to us that God is glorified. If Christ were not raised, the whole story were untrue. By one offering we are perfected forever (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)). God sees us in Christ. He is God’s righteousness; we are in Him. “As He is, so are we in this world.”
His place on high gives us also a place there in the Father’s house.
Question 160: Is there a second blessing, or work of grace, not received at conversion? Am I wrong in thinking every child of God is sanctified? M. B.
Answer: There are many truly converted people who do not understand their place and portion in Christ. They are not satisfied with their spiritual condition, and have been taught that an act of surrender or consecration will obtain for them a second work of grace, which some call sanctification.
The word “sanctify” means “to set apart”. On looking into the Word of God, we find it applied to the Christian in two ways: Firstly – Absolute sanctification, that is, of the person, Secondly – Practical or progressive sanctification, that is of the heart and ways.
The first is like a husband and wife set apart for each other by the marriage.
The second is like the two being married, learning to please each other in their ways.
To the first such scriptures as 1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11); 2 Thess. 2:1313But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Thessalonians 2:13); Heb. 10:10, 1410By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)
14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14); 1 Peter 1:22Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2), would apply.
To the second, John 17:17; 117Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17) Cor. 2:30; 1 Thess. 4:3,4; 5:233For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; (1 Thessalonians 4:3‑4)
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23); Rom. 12:11I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1); Titus 2:11,1211For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11‑12).
A sinner brought to Christ is sanctified, is forgiven, is a child of God, a member of the body of Christ, his body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who now dwells in him. Often the question is asked, Why then are Christians not always happy? We find the reason is, the flesh is in us – that old selfish nature. We cannot improve it, or get rid of it, by any act or surrender. We are to reckon it dead in the death of Christ (Rom. 6:6,116Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11)).
But we do need to keep Christ before us as our object in life, and steadily and daily yield up our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, our intelligent service, and be renewed in the spirit of our minds, feeding upon the Word of God (Rom. 12:1-21I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And 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)).