By John Omoluabi
Many congregations cleverly dodge a discussion of sanctification
as the topic. While, it may not justifiable or even fair, it is
diplomatically clever. The meaning or need for sanctification is
commonly not the problem, but the leaders may not be clear on its
process. Some pastors find it challenging to explain the interface where
the Holy Spirit interacts with the young Christian. In the category of
young Christians, meaning recent converts are many young adults who are
beginning to define their involvement in the Christian faith inherited
from their parents. These minds scientifically pruned pose astute
analytical challenges to faith-based claims. Explaining concepts such as
sanctification that requires interaction of a non-physical Holy Spirit
component with whose modus operandi is outside of human calculation is
particularly difficult, if one plans not to further alienate the young
Christians. In fact, controversy exists within the Christian faith
regarding the process of sanctification. The involvement of the
ever-ethereal Holy Ghost baffles the logical calculations of the
scientific mindset making some Christians to claim that the Holy Spirit
is irrelevant to modern lifestyle. The result is a proliferation of
theories attempting to explain the phenomenon of sanctification.
Sanctification
is being apart by God for holiness. Among the proposed theories is
automatic sanctification included in a salvation package that comes with
repentance, conversion, and justification of sins. In other words, the
grace that washes away one's old sins automatically empower the new
convert for a life of 'sin no more'. While, this is an acceptable
possibility, it is important that the Christian recognize the event for
what is, if possible as clearly as Apostle Paul remembers the face-off
with Jesus. Such experiences make it difficult for one to deny the truth
of God, and a preference for holiness. Even then, it can be dangerous
to assume that the unique experience of sanctification occurs
universally for Christians at the conversion event.
We remember
that Jesus prayed for his disciples to receive sanctification. He
confirmed that the early disciples enjoyed the protection of his own
sanctification, but now that he will be leaving them to propagate the
gospel, it becomes important for them to receive sanctification so that
they will succeed. Certainly, these were born-again believers because he
called them one by one, and they voluntarily chose to follow him. Yet,
Jesus confirmed that sanctification is a necessary tool for their new
life. Therefore, salvation does not automatically confer sanctification.
Other
theories on offer include an unending gradual growth in grace because
of a belief that humans cannot live a pure or a perfect life, like Jesus
did, and that Jesus finally purifies us for holiness at death in
preparation for the rapture or the judgment day. However, these theories
negate two important scriptures namely; John 15:3 and Jude 1:1 talk
about the word of Jesus preserving the elected who have already received
sanctification. Irrespective of whatever theory one chooses to believe,
it is clear that purity, perfection or holiness is the key to living a
godly life, and making it to heaven since Jesus us that:
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