THE FOUR STAGES OF SANCTIFICATION:

Sanctification means setting us apart for God’s use. It is also the process of teaching us how to live the spiritual life. Indeed, It is the process of growing more Christ-like.

It is maintained that sanctification involves 4 stages in a progression:

STAGE 1: UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE A PRIEST IN THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

As 1 Peter 2:5 & 9 explains, we are members of God's "royal priesthood". Indeed, God wants you to see yourself as a priest. As priests, we offer "spiritual sacrifices" to God. They are sacrifices because we must deliberately choose to do them. Also, they are inconvenient in that we have to choose to do them. We have to decide that we want to do them; they won't happen otherwise. Examples of spiritual sacrifices can include:

· - Prayer and praise

· - Study the Word

· - Intercede for one another

· - Worship in spirit and truth

· - Fast

· - Give sacrifices of time, money, effort

· - Seek and commune with God

· - Proclaim what God is doing in our lives

These "spiritual sacrifices" are ways of communing with Christ, almost like "basic training" in relating to Him. We understand that we don't HAVE to do ANY of these things - WE GET TO do them, as privileged members of God's royal priesthood! Via our communion with God as priests, we are changed over time. His Word changes us as the Spirit leads us into all truth (Galatians 5). Through our acting as priests and communing consistently with God, we are changed by His Word and the Holy Spirit over time, we are prepared for the second stage:

STAGE 2: THE RITE OF PASSAGE - JESUS AT THE TEMPLE: ACCEPTING THE FATHER AS THE TRUE SPIRITUAL FATHER; THE 100% “BUY-IN”

Just as Jesus declared He must be in His Father's house (Luke 2:49), there is a rite of passage and true submission decision for us as well - accepting God as our true spiritual Father and declaring ourselves "100% in" as adopted citizens of His Kingdom. This is what Billy Graham called having "No reserves, no retreat, no regrets" in following Christ. It is the wholehearted "buy-in" to God's Kingdom and His fatherhood in our lives. Through our communing with God (Stage 1), we are prepared for this point of declaring God's Kingdom as our true home and identity. Just like Jesus, when we choose to fully submit, we continue to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor like Christ did (Luke 2:52).

STAGE 3: YOUR CALLING REVEALED

God has an overall purpose, plan, and specific will for each person. Everybody has an individual calling. Your personal call is what gives you meaning, purpose, and fulfillment like nothing else. God will move heaven and earth to ensure you have everything needed to fulfill your calling.

God will ask if we sought and followed the call. What matters is that we seek and pursue our calling. Our call can be as simple as being a prayer warrior. We are all called to live ordinary life extraordinarily. Some are called to powerfully preach the Word or minister in the workplace, demonstrating Christlike lives. Some are hand picked by God to prepare for a specific task or role. For example, one may be called simply to be the most godly spouse and parent possible.

The key is to seek God's vision and instruction for the way and race marked out specifically for us. Our calling gives us meaning and purpose when we follow it.

STAGE 4: THE EFFECTUAL CALL REVEALED - THE VEIL IS REMOVED

As 2 Corinthians 3:15-16 explains, there comes a point for many believers when the veil is removed and we encounter and are changed by God in a lasting way. God can engineer circumstances in your life to orchestrate these pivotal encounters with Himself. You'll be forever changed from these personal revelations of God's effectual call in your life. The veil is removed as you experience Him intimately.

STAGE 5: THE "MAN OF GOD"

We are called to continue maturing in godliness. There will come a point that as a “man of God” you will be "thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). As we persevere, we will become "mature and complete, not lacking anything"(James 1:4).

Sanctification ultimately prepares us for useful service. There are many biblical examples of those who were profoundly transformed by God encounters - Paul, Mary, Jonah, the Apostles, etc. As a man of God. Jesus becomes our way of life. Peace and joy become a constant in our lives. People are drawn to you or avoid you because you're noticeably different. Your calling becomes a driving force directing your path (Jer. 6:16-17). You influence people simply by the fact that they know you. Your spiritual gifts integrate fully into your being and personal ethos. The process matures us into true "men and women of God" - set apart, transformed, and ready for good works.

Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary on this blog on a regular basis. He is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an adult son.

Contact Dr. Marica at [email protected]

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