A Deeper Cleansing

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

This is a glorious word concerning that great salvation which God can work in us, so that we will be able to stand before the Son of Man when He is revealed. Luke 21:36. Paul states it even more emphati­cally: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Our goal is perfect sanctification. 2 Corinthians 7:1. In Hebrews 12:14 we read that without sanctification no one shall see the Lord. First, we must be fully consecrated to God so we are separated from the evil that is in the world and ready to heed what the Spirit is working. Our faithfulness in this area is the deciding factor in whether or not we will partake of sanctification. God desires to pos­sess us completely. The source of all blessings is to receive the knowl­edge of God and act according to it.

Being chosen and separate, and having victory over conscious sin is not sanctification. Only after we have presented our bodies as a living sacrifice in the service of God, do we have our fruit unto sanc­tification. Romans 6:22 and 12:1-2. This is done in the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:2): that same Spirit in which Jesus offered Himself as He went on the way through the flesh. Hebrews 9:14 and 10:20. The Spirit searches and casts light on our hidden nature. 1 Corinthians 2:11. We get to see that in us (that is, in our flesh) dwells nothing good. Romans 7:18. This acknowledgment will liberate us if we hate the flesh and put it to death.

Purification takes place according to the revelations of the Spirit. God is interested in this because He jealously desires the spirit which He has caused to dwell in us. James 4:5. It is precious in God’s eyes when our spirit is set free from our nature.

This salvation can only take place in disciples—those who have forsaken everything (Luke 14:33), and have put off the old man. Ephesians 4:22. It was the apostle’s desire that we should be perfect and completely blameless; this is the reason for this deeper cleansing. We get to see how sinful our nature is when we want to do the good and are still taken captive by the evil.

The Spirit who dwells in us (Romans 8:11), draws forth out of darkness that which is still hidden in our nature. He knows our na­ture well, for He searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10. After the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4) have done their work in our life, that which is divine will become visible. It is God Himself who works in us both to will and to do. Philippians 2:13.