"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Sanctification is the process by which we draw closer to God, and away from the attractions (and distractions) of the world. For some, there is dramatic life-change from the moment of salvation. Others may take years to mature even marginally, but all believers are sanctified (set apart for God) to some degree over the entire term of human life. (2 Timothy 2:19-21)

What is our part in the maturation process, and how does it happen?

The answer is found throughout God's Word, but the New Testament epistles are especially helpful for guidance and inspiration. These letters were written to believers in local churches struggling, as we do, against traditions, carnal lusts, and the deceptions such as are common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Another way we can know we have a responsibility in our relationship with God is that He desires fellowship with us. Successful relationships are dynamic, ever-growing as a result of increasing knowledge, understanding and compassion - direct results of intimate fellowship. (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:3)

We can be assured the love of God will guide us into intimate fellowship with Him today, providing we are obedient to what Jesus stated was God's greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:36-38) We have everything to gain, and nothing to lose by loving Him with all of our being.

Onward Christian soldiers!

Bob Benson

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from My Utmost For His Highest. . .

November 12

The Changed Life

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new —2 Corinthians 5:17

What understanding do you have of the salvation of your soul? The work of salvation means that in your real life things are dramatically changed. You no longer look at things in the same way. Your desires are new and the old things have lost their power to attract you. One of the tests for determining if the work of salvation in your life is genuine is—has God changed the things that really matter to you? If you still yearn for the old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above—you are deceiving yourself. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought. And when a crisis comes, you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing change that is the very evidence that you are saved.

What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13 , or do I squirm and evade the issue? True salvation, worked out in me by the Holy Spirit, frees me completely. And as long as I "walk in the light as He is in the light" ( 1 John 1:7 ), God sees nothing to rebuke because His life is working itself into every detailed part of my being, not on the conscious level, but even deeper than my consciousness.

Amen!

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24