Sanctification

by Luxmoore, C. M. | Category: General | Jan 1933

What is sanctification? First let us look at a certain usage of the word "sanctify" in Matthew 23. 17-19. Gold is put into the Temple and the Temple sanctifies it. A gift is put on the altar and the altar sanctifies it. Now, what has happened to the gold? What has happened to the gift? Is this changed in its character? Has that become more refined? Or, is not the change one of position and relationship only? Before, the gift or the gold belonged to the offerer. Afterwards it was devoted to God, set apart from other gifts, from other gold, by the sanctifying act of putting this into the Temple or that upon the altar.

Now look at John 10. 36. The Father sanctified the Son and sent Him into the world. Does this, can this mean that He made Him holy in the common acceptation of that term? Or is it not plain that the devoting Him to a special sphere of labour is what is spoken of, agreeably to which Christ Himself in turn, on the eve of His great work, says, "I sanctify Myself" (John 17. 19). And, He having set Himself apart for humiliation unto death, the Holy Spirit calls on us, and leads us, to sanctify Him as Lord in our hearts (1 Peter 3. 15). That is, to make Him occupy a distinct, a unique, yes, a pre-eminently

exalted position there, as sole Owner of our affections, and Master of our thoughts.

As Christ was sanctified by the Father, sanctified Himself, and is being sanctified in His people's hearts by the Holy Spirit's work; so each one who believes in Christ He straightway sets apart by His blood once for all. Then this saint becomes the subject of a work of the Spirit in him, leading him bit by bit, now a little, then a little more, to disassociate his thoughts, his words, his deeds, yea, his very self from everything which the Word of Truth reveals to be contrary to the holy mind and will of God, that he may better and better please Him Who rules as Lord in his heart, till at the coming of that thrice blessed One, the work is perfected by the God of peace Himself (1 Thessalonians 5. 23). And he that is a set-apart one shall be set apart wholly and for ever (Revelation 22. 11, last part).

Luxmoore, C. M. | Jan 1933
General