We Are the Body of Christ (Part 5)

"Sanctification makes us pure in heart."  - William J. Seymour

Last time, we started to talk about Jesus, and the sanctification and cleansing of his church. Of course, we are not talking about the church building, but rather, the church body which consists of all who believe and trust in him.

Just to make sure we're on the same page before continuing, we're aware that Jesus is the world's Savior; meaning, he died for all of us.  He was the atoning sacrifice for our sins, obtaining a pardon for our sins.

However, it is important to mention that in order to reap the full benefits of this pardon, we must have faith in Christ, obey his command, and be baptized. Without these, there is no promise of salvation.

As mentioned, sanctification and cleansing play an important part in Jesus' church body. Sinners, such as you and I, are represented in the Scriptures as defiled or polluted by sin. In Acts 22:16 the apostle Paul stresses to "be baptized and wash away your sins."

Baptism is symbolic of the washing away of sins. This is not to suggest that an external cleansing is enough to purify the soul, but it is a divinely appointed precept that expresses a washing away of sins; a purification of the heart (Hebrews 10:22).

Also, if you notice, at the end of Acts 22:16 there is a "calling on the name of the Lord." This is critical not only for sanctification, but pardon, as well. In fact, the calling on the name of the Lord should be connected with the ordinance of baptism.

That mandate was symbolic of a purifying that only the Lord could produce. It's fitting that the rite of baptism should be accompanied with exceptional prayer. An individual who is baptized should, by all means, make the occasion a special and solemn religious exercise.

However, always be mindful that the external ceremony means nothing without the pardoning mercy of God (Romans 10:13). Naturally, we cannot talk about sanctifying and cleansing without mentioning redemption.

What is the only price of man's redemption? It is the blood of Jesus Christ. Our redemption is undeniable and real, not symbolic. You and I are bought with a price that is equal to the purchase.

It is the precious blood of Christ, an innocent person, an unblemished lamb whom the paschal lamb served as; the Son of God. Therefore we say it is the blood of God (Acts 20:28).

Our redemption was not merely an after-thought with God, it was a costly ransom. Thus, the appeal for a holy life is enforced by considering the great cost of our redemption and the great hope which is revealed before us.

The redemption of the soul, with the pardon of sins, and purification from unrighteousness, is, as is clearly evident throughout the New Testament, attributed to the blood of Christ shed on the cross for man (Revelation 1:5).

I feel that this would make a nice spot to break until we meet next time. There is so much more to discuss regarding Jesus Christ and his glorious Church. And, I hope that you will join me again. Until then, love, peace, and happiness to all of you!

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; John 17:17; Philippians 1:6; Acts 26:18; Hebrews 9:14

Prayer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, amen

May the Lord bless,

Shawna