A Holy People
"To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."1
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be holy? The church in Corinth struggled with all kinds of ungodly behavior, but Paul describes them as "those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be a holy people" (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Sanctify means to set aside from a common use for a sacred use. Throughout the Bible, God has sanctified days (such as the Sabbath), places (the tabernacle), things (the ark of the covenant), and people. A saint is nothing more than a person whom God has set apart for His purposes. Which means that every believer is holy.
The Bible says that before we were saved, we were enemies with God (Romans 5:10). The moment we trusted Christ as Savior, God set us apart for Himself. We were born again and now we are his children. He forgave our sins and declared us righteous. A saint is not a perfect person, but someone who always in relationship with the Heavenly Father. Although our sanctification does not depend on being perfect, the Lord expects us to honor Him.
God has set us apart for a sacred purpose and we are here to glorify Him. And now he calls us to live according to our new identity in Christ.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, the moment we trust Christ as Savior, You set us apart to live a different life. We were born again and now we are Your children. Help me to live a life of holiness, a life that honors you. Help me to live according to my new identity in Christ. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. 1. 1 Corinthians 1:2-3 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.