“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
God calls us into relationship with Him. He calls us to believe in Jesus for salvation and walk in His ways. God’s call comes with a powerful promise, the promise to sanctify us.
“Sanctify” — a big word that we don’t use much anymore — simply means “to make holy.” Holiness means being set apart for God’s purpose, as well as being righteous and pure.
So, when Paul prayed for God to sanctify the Thessalonians through and through, he was asking God to make them completely holy.
God desires holiness for us, which starts with us having the holy desire to know God and surrender to His ways. A holy inner life is one where thoughts, attitudes, and motives are filtered through and refined by the truth of God’s Word. A holy outer life is one where words and actions demonstrate grace and truth, love and righteousness.
Yet God doesn’t expect us to attain holiness on our own. These verses from 1 Thessalonians 5 declare God’s faithfulness and power to sanctify us. Zero in on the last four words.
He. Will. Do. It.
God calls us to holiness, a holiness that only He can produce together with our cooperation. God is the One who will make us holy, if we allow Him.
Will you respond to His call? Will you surrender your whole spirit, soul, and body to His way?
Holy God, just like I can’t save myself, I know I can’t make myself holy. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your promise to sanctify me. May I surrender completely to Your will and Your way. Amen.
Take Action
Reassess your thoughts, decisions, words and actions of the last week. Confess and surrender any area of your life that was unpleasing to God.
Substitute the words “me” and “my” for “you” and “your” in today’s passage and make it your prayer.
Are old wounds and baggage keeping you in bondage? Try this spiritual inventory.