Sanctification

“Pursue peace with all men, and sanctification, for without sanc­tification no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. This is an exhor­tation to revival, to live the life of the bride.

You cannot pursue sanctification before you have received the Holy Spirit, have crucified your flesh, and have become a member of the body of Christ. No one will see the Lord without sanctifica­tion. This is serious, knowing that Jesus and the Father are one. “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.

There was no sanctification in the old covenant. They could re­ceive forgiveness for their sins, but sanctification came with Christ in the new covenant. Israel was only given an indication of sanctification through the prophets who testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 1 Peter 1:11.

The fathers in Israel knew God as an Almighty Father, but in the desert He revealed Himself as Lord. Exodus 6:3. The Lord is someone who has a body. 1 Corinthians 6:13. Christ atoned for all the sins of the world in His body, and while in the body He conse­crated the new and living way into the Holiest. Hebrews 10:20. Thus He became to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.

The fact that you cannot see the Lord without sanctification is a mystery of godliness. Most people rest in the forgiveness of sins; they are not interested in pursuing anything more. However, this also ex­cludes them from having a share in the life of the bride. The devil de­vours such people’s works so that they do not result in sanctification and a bridal garment of fine linen, clean and bright. Revelation 19:7-8.

Powerful works are effected by God, gifts are worked by the Spirit, but sanctification is brought about by works done in and by the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Sanctification is a process that occurs in the body if it is crucified with Christ. A disciple lays down his life in the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares in the suf­ferings of Christ and becomes God’s heir and joint heir with Christ. Romans 8:17.

We belong to Christ if the flesh with its passions and desires is crucified. Galatians 5:24. However, this is not the same as sanctifica­tion. We begin to partake of sanctification when we present our bod­ies alive to God (Romans 6:11), see the other law in our members (Romans 7:23), and put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. Romans 8:13. The fruit of all this is sanctification. Romans 6:22.

There are many people who belong to Christ: queens, concubines, and virgins without number; but only one, His pure one, is His dove. Song of Solomon 6:8-9. This one is the bride, the new creation in the new covenant. She partakes of the fruit to sanctification, with the re­sult that she will see the Lord. She purifies herself in her spirit just as He is pure. 1 John 3:3.

We have been called to an exalted life where we have rest and peace, and it is not difficult for us to pursue peace with all men be­cause the Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5. The bride is not only one with Christ in spirit, but through sanctification she is also one flesh with Him. Ephesians 5:31-32.

Sanctification is important for our lives. Without it we cannot stand on Mount Zion together with the Lamb (Revelation 14:1), but we can be part of that great multitude. Revelation 7:9-10. Therefore we need to be apprehended of partaking of sanctification so we can be a spiritual person whom Christ can court; for without it there is neither growth nor development. Song of Solomon 8:8. Sanctification requires that we give up our whole body (Romans 12:1-2); but we will see the Lord, which outweighs all the sacrifices. Let us pursue peace with all men and sanctification, and perfect it in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1.