It's called 'sanctification'... And It's called 'transformation'---referring to transformation that comes as a result of conforming no longer to this world, but yielding to the power of the gospel of 'Christ in you, the Hope of Glory', and conforming to the image of Christ. This 'sanctification' or transformation' of course, is the marvelous result of the believer, meditating in the message of the gospel, reckoning himself to be dead (crucified with Christ), yet alive, through the resurrection power of God, wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, seating Him in heavenly places at His own right hand---far above principalities, powers, dominion, every name that is named, not-to-mention all spiritual wickedness in those 'high places'...
It (sanctification) is also referred to as a 'second' (or 'third') work of grace in the heart of the believer. And oftentimes it is defined as part and parcel of salvation.... It happens suddenly---or it happens gradually---as the believer more deeply readies himself to receive the fullness thereof.
However we ultimately define this supernatural work of God in the believer, one thing is certain---we need it. And with that in mind, it is most disturbing that we don't have it.
Some may say... Now, wait just a minute there, brother---speak for yourself. Oh, and I know there are doubtless many who have traveled much farther down the road of 'sanctification' than I. Though, I dare say there must be a much smaller number of those who have desired it to any greater degree. Getting there, is the where the challenge lies and a full understanding of just what it is, comprises the greatest part of that challenge. Looking it up in a good Bible Dictionary seemed to me to be a good place to start. And before I had spent an inordinate amount of time doing a 'word study', the plain and simple definition boiled down to 'made holy---set apart for use in the Kingdom of God'... 'Set apart' is a simple, two-word summary.
Now then, as we advance in our study of the word's usage in the Bible, we find it has yet a lot more depth to it.
Paul's prayer, for example, was simple yet obviously replete with some of that depth...
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you [set you apart] completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."
--I Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV
'He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it'... I like that. My becoming 'set apart', first of all in my spirit (all things have been made new, and all things are of God (2 Cor. 5:17-18)---and then secondly, in my soul and body (mind, will, emotions, actions, etc.)---is not only my new plan for living, but seems to have become the project of God Almighty for my Christian maturity. And knowing God is completely 'faithful', willing, and fully able to "do it", gives me plenty of additional assurance that there will be no failure here---this transformation will surely be accomplished, to the glory of God.
A little more on the seriousness of this concept...
Just prior to offering the ultimate sacrifice at Calvary's cross Jesus prayed earnestly, interceding for His disciples---all His disciples---including you and me. And it was not for financial prosperity, healing, or other blessings which would ultimately become included in the blessing of full salvation... It was not for wisdom, knowledge, a 'good education', etc.... It was for SANCTIFICATION. And again, not simply for spiritual sanctification that would be included in the free gift of salvation, but for that kind of sanctification of soul and body as well---that kind of sanctification that God Himself must be personally involved with, before it can be successfully accomplished. He prayed for you and for me, asking the Father to provide for us, that type of sanctification that should we NOT be taken out of the world (in the face of Tribulation), we would be able to face any onslaught of evil in full confidence of total victory until the end. Specifically, He prayed...
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, just as I am not out of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth..."
--John 17:15-19 NKJV
Notice how many times Jesus, in this final and most relevant and powerful prayer, uses the term, "sanctify" (or some derivative thereof). How it boosts my faith, knowing that Jesus Himself would have never prayed a prayer outside the will of God and thus, would never have prayed a prayer that would go unanswered. As He said in another place "I know you always hear me" (John 11:42). This definitely confirms that which Paul proclaimed, that 'God is faithful, who also will do it'. God Almighty will become personally involved in your sanctification.
Secondly, the John 17 prayer tells us clearly, just how it will happen... God uses His uncompromised, infallible Word to set us apart and make us 'useful' for the Master's work. As is clearly pointed out in His Word many times... It is through meditating (not just studying) His word, that it becomes part of our very being. When we meditate in His Word we are changed (transformed) (sanctified). We are conformed into His image and to His glory. (James 1:21, 2 Cor. 3:18). As Jesus said, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17).
And then lastly...
In this same prayer, it is revealed just what specific change that 'sanctification' brings about, having such a profound effect on the world around us...
"...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
--John 17:21
Is it any wonder why the apostle Paul, as Jesus did; prayed so earnestly for this 'sanctification' that comes only through an inward knowledge and growth in the Word of God. Jesus said, 'that the world may believe that You sent Me'. In other words, the world will never know true awakening until the church walks in unity---as Paul brought out; not just unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-3), but unity of the faith (Eph. 4::11-13), which comes by collective submission to the 5 fold ministry gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers), growing up in the knowledge of the Word, the fullness of Christ; and not be 'tossed around anymore by every wind of doctrine' that comes our way, or becomes popular on the best-seller racks in the Christian bookstores.
Join with me and others who simply refuse to believe that God has not abandoned His 'faithfulness' and His power to accomplished this 'sanctification' in us has not been diminished; and believe with all your heart that He 'will do it' in you. Complete sanctification, that is, spirit, soul, and body, will become within us, through our union with Christ, a definite and glorious reality.
It's called 'sanctification'... And It's called 'transformation'---referring to transformation that comes as a result of conforming no longer to this world, but yielding to the power of the gospel of 'Christ in you, the Hope of Glory', and conforming to the image of Christ. This 'sanctification' or transformation' of course, is the marvelous result of the believer, meditating in the message of the gospel, reckoning himself to be dead (crucified with Christ), yet alive, through the resurrection power of God, wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, seating Him in heavenly places at His own right hand---far above principalities, powers, dominion, every name that is named, not-to-mention all spiritual wickedness in those 'high places'....JPG)
