“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Most of us have experienced a baby’s first steps. Whether it was our own child, a brother or sister, a niece or nephew, or maybe even a viral video online. It’s a beautiful sight to see someone who has never walked before take those first few awkward steps. But it is not as cute if a grown man would post a video of himself walking a few steps. Why? Because the reason the baby’s steps are monumental and the man’s steps are not is because of the growth and progress associated. There are two often misinterpreted biblical doctrines that we all experience as believers. Firstly, justification. Simply put justification speaks of God declaring people righteous before Him. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection and faith in that work, we are not guilty; justified! It is a one-time event. Sanctification, however, is a process. A sometimes painful one. Why? Because of the growth and progress associated. As Paul says here, God has called us to sanctification. It’s His process in us to grow us to conform into the image of Jesus. Sanctification is God’s process to our perfection. At Hope, we simplify this by saying, “every Jesus follower has a next step.” Our perfection won’t come until we see Jesus face to face so there is always a next step to take!
“Where is God working on you right now in your sanctification process? What is your next step? Set up a time to talk to your group leader about it!”
