Encouragement and TeachingSample

Being sanctified by the Spirit

The apostle Peter addresses his readers as elect exiles according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, “in the sanctification of the Spirit”. So, it is not just the Father, but also the Holy Spirit and — as we will see tomorrow — God the Son who are all involved in our election and salvation. The same topic is addressed in 1 Corinthians 6:11: “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God”.

Being sanctified means being set apart, being made holy. Those people who are elected by God the Father receive a position in God’s Kingdom. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and sin, and transferred us to His kingdom of light and life.

Being sanctified is not just a “status” of believers, it is also a call for them to live according to their new position. We should live holy lives. We should put away all sinful behavior. We can’t do that in our own power, but the Holy Spirit will transform us more and more.

Are you longing to live a holy life?