Revealed Sanctification

When we allow Jesus to become the Lord of our life and by the grace of God enter into His family we activate a process, ( sanctification). We are “ set apart” and begin to grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Eph. 4:13 Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Phil. 1:6 “ That He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. “

So how do we know that work is in process? How do we overcome the doubts, trials, and setbacks of life to verify a new relationship with God? There are clues, changes, tests and lessons that reveal our new relationship with the Lord:

Position

We realize we have been forgiven and have received redemption.

Eph. 1:7 In Him We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

The Lord sees our sins no more.

Ps. 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He
removed our transgressions from us.

Our old nature has been suppressed, we are no longer slaves to sin.

Rom. 6:6. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

We sense we have been born into a new spiritual life with God in us.

Gal. 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

We are now God’s children and subtle changes start to show this fact.

1 Jn. 3:2. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

We are able to overcome fear and become bolder in Christ.

2 Tim. 1:7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Rom. 8:37. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

We start to realize a new position of accessible power.

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Desires

We have a yearning to learn the truth and understand the words of God.

Ps. 25:5. Guide me in your faith and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Prov. 18:15 The heart of the discerning requires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

We are willing and want to obey God.

1 Jn 5:3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

We actively praise the Lord and glorify Him.

Ps. 86:12. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Ps. 115:1. Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

We desire to serve others instead of ourselves.

Gal. 5:13. For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

We start to think less of ourselves and more about others.

Phil. 2:3,4. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

We use our spiritual gifts to build up and edify others.

1 Cor. 14:26. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a Psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

1 Thess. 5:11. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Trials

Our true faith is tested, a sign we are being built up for God’s family.

1 Pet. 1:6,7. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

We come to accept that trials are part of the building process.

Rom. 5:3,4. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

We welcome divine testing as a sign of God’s perfecting love.

Jas. 1:2-4 My brethren, Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

We experience persecution, and rejoice at the reality that we are part of God’s family.

Mt. 5:10. “ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

We realize that love of this world is opposed to the love of God.

1 Jn. 2:15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

We are reminded of God’s unfailing love helping us bear through trials.

1 Cor. 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Peace

We acquire a spirit of peace knowing God is in control.

Jn. 16:33. “ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We start to experience answered prayer.

1 Jn. 3:22. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

We realize that God chose us to bear spiritual fruit with peace and joy.

Jn 15:16. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

We secure a peaceful, bold heart of courage.

Josh. 1:9. “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We are confident that the Lord will make all things turn out good.

Rom. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

We feel a reassuring peace that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.

Deut. 31:6. “ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor for sake you.”