Scripture:
1 Peter 1 v 5: "Who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
The true meaning of the word 'sanctified' is 'to be made
saintly'. The moment you become sinless through the Blood of Jesus and lose
your 'sinful man' through baptism, the whole nature of Jesus Christ is the gift
you receive.
You are not only saved by grace but a righteous nature
becomes part of you too. You have been made into a saint, a holy person, and
all you need do to please your Heavenly Father is allow that holiness to shine
through.
Holiness is exhibited through right living and right
being. It changes you on the inside instantly but there can be obstacles in
your soul or flesh that warp the full expression from being visible to others.
Holiness through grace sets us apart from who we were
when we were still sinners. We must walk in newness of life having discarded
the habits of our old nature which lead to death. When we are completely free
of those old habits and worldly lifestyle, the fullness of Christ in us the
hope of glory becomes visible.
Jesus said to John over and over in Revelations - "To
him that overcomes I will give the tree of life; a crown of glory; a secret new
name etc." But we need to do the overcoming and put our sinful worldly
past behind us.
Revelation 3 v 5: "He that overcometh, the same
shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the book
of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His
angels."
Jesus expects us to do the overcoming because if we don't
allow Him to change us we are in danger of having our name blotted out of the
book of life. On the Day of Judgment when the books are opened and your final
destination decided, you do not want to hear Jesus say "I never knew
you!"
The whole salvation rescue plan not only saves us out of
satan's clutches and eternal hellfire but must change us to be forever secure
from falling back into sin and death. If we resist the holiness of the
sanctified life we live in jeopardy.
So instead of New Years Resolutions that mostly collapse,
review your life at this year end to ensure that the true life of Jesus Christ
is manifesting in you so that you are kept by the power of God from going back
into the world.
Christians are an endangered species on this planet. Our
holiness shows up the fear in those who don't have Jesus in their hearts. They
hate that light and are determined to destroy it. It is up to us to keep it
shining so that those who want to be saved can see the way home.
Prayer: Heavenly Father the chorus Shine Jesus Shine fill
this land with the Father's glory - is in my mind. I pray that every believer
will increase their shine of holiness and right living so that Jesus can touch
the hardest hearts and fill them with love. In Jesus' name. Amen.