If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
2 Timothy 2:21
There is no greater joy than to see a sinner and the ungodly come to Christ. Heaven and earth rejoices over the redemptive work of our Lord and Savior.
There is a misconception that an individual can come to Christ, ask for forgiveness, move on, and continue business as usual. Christ suffered, shed His blood, and died to secure salvation for mankind. The world at large stands accountable to respond to this great act of love by living holy and righteous before the Lord.
As Christ was the perfect sacrifice for sin and died for mankind, so must mankind die to sin and the will of the flesh in response to Christ’s substitution death. (Galatians 2:20). This can only be done through the grace of sanctification. Paul tells his son Timothy “if a man therefore purge himself from these (works of darkness), he shall become a vessel of honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” (2 Timothy 2:21). Everyone that comes to Christ (Hebrews 11:6) must renounce sin and the lust of the flesh to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. In the grace of sanctification the blood of Jesus washes the sin-ridden sinner, taking away the old nature replacing it with Christ’s. The sanctified believer receives the mind of Christ, is filled with joy and rejoicing in the God of his salvation, and only has an appetite to do those things pleasing to God.
After the miracle of transformation takes place, the promises of God continues. Apostle Paul goes on to let Timothy know that this new “vessel of honor” is suitable and prepared for every good work. Just imagine, an individual once bound by sin, has not only a new direction and outlook on life but is equipped to be an ambassador for Christ!
May everyone who has not experienced the grace of sanctification seek the sanctifying power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.