"
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God
... Whereby are given unto us
exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of
the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust"
(2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Peter 1:4)
Introduction
The Bible offers us a fourfold definition of God's nature:
1. "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24) - His nature is spiritual, and when
we are partakers of it, we, too, shall become spiritual. He will remove the
carnality.
2. "God is Light" (1 John 1:5) - God will bring sweet and clear
assurance to our souls. He will remove the darkness.
3. "God is Love" (1 John 4:8, 16) - He will fill us with His love. He
will remove malice.
4. "God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29) - He will destroy all the
dross of selfishness and sin.
Blessings
conveyed
God accomplishes the work of sanctification through the promises. Nothing is
ever received by God without acceptance of His precious promises. We need to
read and study, affirm and claim, plead and stand upon the promises of God's
word. If we do, we will soon find faith springing up in our hearts and able to
believe for the accomplishing of the work.
The
written word of God avails
God's word, the Scripture, is powerful as of the devil. Jesus, during His
temptation in the wilderness, quoted from it, and so defeated Satan's attempts
to halt His mission. It is from the word of God He draws strength and
encouragement. Should we not do the same? For if we decide to follow the path of
sanctification, the enemy of our souls will do his utmost to turn us back. We
will thwart his schemes if we make use of the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians
6:12-18.)
Conclusion
A part of God's work in our souls is to sanctify us through His promises. He
lovingly calls and draws, He chastens and convicts, but God also offers us His
great and precious promises. Let us lay hold of them with all of our might. Let
us believe that He has promised us the blessing of sanctification.