Why be holy?
The term sanctification means “to be made holy” and “to be set apart.” Sanctification speaks of both a position and a process in the Christian life. The moment we are born again, we are sanctified, made holy, and also set apart for God’s purpose. Every Christian needs to understand that they have been sanctified and set apart for a special purpose for the glory of God. This is seen in the life of Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Jeremiah, though born into sin was called to walk holy before God and be set apart for the service of God.
As we behold the LORD through His Word and through intimate communion with Him, we are being changed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). We don’t become sinless, but we do sin less. As we walk with Him, we live more holy lives. The Bible says in Galatians 5:16, “I say then; walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” So this process begins the moment we are justified, and continues up until the moment when we die.
