As a follower of Christ, do you seek His will for you?   And if so, does God really have a perfect will for each one of us?   Well, what does the Bible say?  We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”   First, we know from scripture that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9) (first work of grace).  Secondly, we know that it is His perfect will for us as we journey through this life, to live in a way that is pleasing to Him - sanctified (second work of grace)!  Only God can justify, only God can sanctify.  Both works of grace are by the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer through the new birth.  Just as we have to respond to the call of salvation to receive it, we must also respond to the call of sanctification.  God has called us to Holiness.  1 Peter 1: 15 and 16 reminds us, “but as He is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy.”   Sanctification prepares us for our Bridegroom.  “So that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”  Ephesians 5: 27 (ESV)  Have you responded to the call of sanctification?  If not, I pray you will today.  The Bible says, “…for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”  Hebrews 12: 14 (ESV)

inHISservice,

Pastor Rodney