UNDERSTANDING SANCTIFYING GRACE
“And may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you Pure and wholly consecrated to God];
BIBLE READING: EPHESIANS 4:22-24; HEBREWS 10:14; 1PETER 1:15-16; 2TIMOTHY 2:21
In our Journey of Faith, we encounter the Profound Work of God's Sanctifying Grace—a Continual Process of Transformation that moulds us into the Likeness of Christ. This Sanctifying Grace is not a one-time event but an Ongoing Journey of Spiritual Growth, where God's Spirit works within us to purify our hearts, renew our minds and empower us to live the kind of Life that reflects His Holiness. The Holy Scriptures affirm the Reality of Sanctifying Grace in Second Corinthians chapter Three verse eighteen (NKJV), which says the following: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the Same Image from Glory to Glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." This verse reminds us that Sanctification is a Process initiated and sustained by the Holy Spirit as He continually shapes us to become more like Jesus.
Consider the example of the Apostle Paul, who experienced the Sanctifying Work of God's Grace firsthand. In Philippians 1:6 (NKJV), he writes thus: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a Good Work in you will complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ." Despite his past as a persecutor of the Church, Paul was radically transformed by God's Grace, becoming one of the greatest champions of the Christian Faith. His life serves as a powerful testimony to the Sanctifying Power of God's Grace, as God continually moulded and shaped him into a Vessel for His Glory. Another Biblical Example of Sanctifying Grace is found in the life of Apostle Peter. Despite his impulsive nature and tendency to make mistakes, Jesus saw potential in Peter and called him to follow Him. Through His Grace, Jesus transformed Peter from a simple fisherman into a bold Apostle and leader in the Early Church. The Holy Bible describes Peter and John as uneducated and common men, yet they were recognized as having been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). This Transformation was a result of Sanctifying Grace working in their lives, shaping them into Effective Witnesses for Christ.
As we journey with God, we often encounter challenges and struggles that test our Faith and Commitment. It is in these moments that the Sanctifying Grace of God becomes even more evident. When we face trials, temptations, and difficulties, God's Grace enables us to persevere and grow stronger in our Faith James 1:2-4(NKJV), encourages us as such: "My brethren, count it all Joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your Faith produces Patience. But let Patience have its Perfect Work, that you may be Perfect and Complete, lacking nothing." Through the Refining Fire of trials, God works in us to shape our character and conform us to the Image of Christ (Isa. 48:10). As we reflect on the Sanctifying Grace of God, the words of the hymn "O to Be Like Thee" by Thomas O. Chisholm beautifully captures the desire of our hearts: "O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, This is my constant longing and Prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of Earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy Perfect Likeness to wear." These lyrics express our longing to be transformed into the Likeness of Christ, to reflect His Love, Grace, and Holiness in all that we do. Just as the Apostle Paul prayed in Philippians 3:10(NKJV), "that I may know Him and the Power of His Resurrection, and the Fellowship of His Sufferings, being conformed to His Death," may we also strive to be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives, empowered by His Sanctifying Grace.
Furthermore, Sanctifying Grace is not only about Personal Transformation but also about our impact on the world around us. As we allow God to work in our lives, His Grace empowers us to be Agents of Change and Instruments of His Love in the lives of others. We become Vessels through which God's Grace flows to bring Healing, Restoration and Hope to a broken world. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16(NKJV), "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your Good Works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Through our Transformed lives, we have the privilege of reflecting on God's Glory and pointing others to Him. Finally, Sanctifying Grace is a Beautiful and Transformative Gift from God that enables us to grow in Holiness, persevere through trials, and impact the world for His Kingdom. Let us embrace this Grace with gratitude and yield to the Work of the Holy Spirit within us, knowing that God is continually at work to make us more like Christ. May we walk in the Power of Sanctifying Grace, shining brightly as Lights in a dark world and bringing Glory to our Father in Heaven.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we praise You for the Sanctifying Grace that works within us, moulding us into the Image of Christ day by day. Please grant us the Strength and Wisdom to live out this Transformation, shining Your Light in a world in need of Your Love and Grace in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.