Sanctification # 6: Given Christ for holiness.

Writing on how specifically Jesus works for me and helps me to grow in Christian holiness (sanctification) has encouraged me.  Remembering that for our joy and good, and his glory Jesus is for us in this too helps the believer press on.  Well, today I want to remind you that Jesus is our help in holiness in that he was given to us by God the Father to make us holy.

Ephesians 4:1 says, "We were chosen in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy."  How amazing is that!  Ephesians 5:25-27 says, "Jesus gave himself for the church, that he might sanctity and cleanse it, that he might present to himself a glorious church, that it should be holy."  Look at these Scripture texts Colossians 1:2,22; Hebrews 2:11; 1 Corinthians 6:17.  In all these texts we learn the holy Jesus was given to us, and gave himself on the cross for us that we might be holy.  Jesus who is sanctified and those he sanctifies (makes Christians) are all one!

The greatest joy for the Christian is God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  And we want to be holy, even as he is holy.  Now then, is it not marvellous that God in Christ gave himself to us for that very purpose.  No wonder we have the promise that we are sanctified and will be sanctified...we are given Christ for this purpose.