Sanctification and Sin
Sanctification and Sin
In August the streets of China are filled with fruit sellers. A variegated assortment of a half-dozen different kinds of melons, many varieties of peaches, apples, grapes, and other fruits, is most tastefully displayed. To one accustomed from childhood to eating fruit rather freely, it is a distinct disappointment to see all of this fruit and to be unable to eat any of it. The conditions under which they were grown and the filth accompanying their handling all along the way make it impossible for any foreigner to do what he might do in an occidental country - spend a few coppers, rinse or peel the fruit, and enjoy it.
Before we can eat the fruit, it must be sanctified. Strawberries must be washed in a solution of potassium permanganate, peaches must be treated likewise, then dipped in boiling water and carefully pared. Any place where the skin has been broken must be meticulously cut out and discarded. Tomatoes whose skins have been broken cannot be safely eaten unless they have been cooked. It is all rather complicated and somewhat annoying. All of these preparations for eating fresh fruit correspond to sanctification. We recoil from the filth as we see it, and take every precaution that the deadly germs which cause uncomfortable or deadly diseases shall not infect us.
If the effects of sin were as visibly disastrous - if pride and lying and other sins produced as much dread and carefulness in us as does the sight of village sewage being shoveled onto strawberry beds - would we not be more careful to enter into the deeper knowledge of sanctification? Is not this same idea behind Paul's cry, "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (Heb. 12:4)?
We live with a terrible source of infection. Paul exclaims, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Rom. 7:24). Radical treatment is necessary. The cause of infection must be delivered over to death. As peaches and fruit must be prepared with chemicals, and open spots cut away with a knife, so the old nature must be delivered to Jesus Christ for the crucifixion death. This is the meaning of the apostle's statement, "I die daily." It is the moment by moment disinfection of sanctification.
1. How does God use the sacraments (baptism & the lord’s supper) to sanctify use and teach us about His character?
2. Why is it important that we are sanctified?
3. What is the end goal of sanctification?
