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NASB | 1 Corinthians 1:2 ¶ To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 1:2 ¶ To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified (set apart, made holy) in Christ Jesus, who are selected and called as saints (God's people), together with all those who in every place call on and honor the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: |
Subject: Sanctification Process? |
Bible Note: Dear John, Submitting to the Word is a lifelong process. It is something that is commanded (2 Timothy 2:15), necessary (2 Peter 1:1-10), and precious (Psalm 119:72). It is the sole venue through which the Holy Spirit teaches us. As a saved person you are already consecrated. Indeed, God has chosen you before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4). Furthermore, your positional (or definitive) sanctification has already been accomplished (Ephesians 2:1-9). Progressive sanctification is a process of refining (2 Timothy 2:21) that will continue (Philippians 1:6) until it is finally and fully achieved by God in you in glory (1 John 3:2). Now if God has already done all this, will He not provide for us all that we need to serve Him (cf Romans 8:32)? So persevere in the study of the Word. Strive to know it, believe it, and obey it (2 Timothy 3:15-17). I promise you that He will use what you know at any given moment for His purpose in your service to Him. Never think that you will have someday attained some kind of "higher level" of Spirituality. The world thinks in terms of holy men, gurus, or special prophets. Christianity is not like that at all. Indeed, our Lord Jesus asserted repeatedly that it was quite the contrary (Matthew 28:8-12). There is no "second blessing" or "deeper spiritual life." We have all that we need, so let us walk in it. We pursue it, because He has already accomplished it -- we walk in it, because He already authored it -- we live completed lives, because He is already completing it. (Philippians 1:6) I am encouraged when I see questions like yours, John. Internal truths are always manifested externally. We do not understand the details of this wonderful work of the Holy Spirit, but we see it evidenced in a heart that longs to know Him better, to hear Him more clearly, and to love Him more dearly. Thank you for participating with us in the forum. In Him, Doc |