Sanctify Means to Dedicate

Sanctification is not only a separation “from,” but a separation “to.”

I recently had breakfast with a friend who has just been promoted to a position of greater responsibility and opportunity (and prosperity)! He commented that he did not feel he deserved it. Of course, he is right! He does not deserve it, in the sense of God owing him something. The deserving one is God. God deserves it. God deserves the best of us. And when we are separated from our own purpose to serve Him, He is glorified. While my friend is benefiting from this promotion, it is ultimately God who is benefiting: He is at work in my friend’s life to expand His kingdom. “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond what you could ask or think, according to the power that works within you (Ephesians 3:20)… because you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared [for you] before the foundation of the world that you might walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

The idea of sanctification is to be set apart for God’s intended purposes. (“my” sanctification is not about “me,” but about God accomplishing His purposes.) When God finds someone whose heart is wholly His, He is able to accomplish His will (for the eyes of the Lord move to and fro that He make strongly support those whose heart is completely His—2 Chronicles 16:8). Sanctification means we offer ourselves to God for His absolute ownership, that He may possess us, and employ us for His purposes. It is for God’s purposes that the Bible appeals to us to walk in holiness, because “you are not your own; you are bought with a price and should glorify God in your body which is God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

When we are sanctified, God is glorified.