Sanctification - Set Apart

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2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Think

Sanctification is the ongoing work of God making us more like Christ—a process that begins the moment we’re saved and continues throughout our lives. It’s the daily transformation of our hearts, minds, and actions, a gradual reshaping of who we are into who we were always meant to be. While justification happens in an instant, declaring us righteous, sanctification is the patient, steady process of molding us into that righteousness.

Think of it like the restoration of an old, cherished masterpiece. The artist—God—sees the beauty beneath the dirt, the wear, and the cracks. He works slowly, layer by layer, revealing the stunning work of art hidden beneath. Sanctification is that restoration—God, the master craftsman, carefully refining us, bringing out his image in us. It’s not always quick or easy, but the result is breathtaking.

C.S. Lewis once captured this idea with a powerful analogy: "Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing...But then he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of … he intends to come and live in it himself."

This transformation starts with salvation, where we are freed from sin’s dominion. We’re no longer slaves to our old nature, and with that freedom comes a choice—to die daily to sin and live in the fullness of Christ’s new life in us. Sanctification, however, isn’t just about our effort. It’s a divine partnership where the Holy Spirit empowers us to make those choices, gently guiding us toward holiness.

God’s work in us is deliberate and purposeful. Though the journey may seem slow, with stumbles along the way, remember that the same God who began the work is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). You are not a simple cottage being patched up. God is building a palace within you, preparing you for his glory. Every day, you are being transformed into something far more magnificent than you could ever imagine.

Apply

Start your day by asking God to help you make one specific choice that aligns with his will. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I know I am a work in progress, and I trust that you are shaping me each day to look more like Christ. Help me to surrender to your transforming power, choosing to die to my old ways and live in the new life you’ve given me. Guide my thoughts, actions, and heart to align with your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.