Part 4 - The Application of Faith
Sanctified: In the Light of Christ
One aspect of the sanctifying work of Christ is the separation of the
believer from darkness into the light of Christ (See
Part 2: Separated in the Light of Christ).
This light is a "knowledge of the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:6). This knowledge brings to
the believer an understanding of the gospel so he can trust in Jesus Christ
as Lord and Savior and receive the gift of life by God's grace. The
knowledge of the truth that comes through Christ by the Holy Spirit is an
important element in being fruitful in Christ.
Partakers of the divine nature
Peter the Apostle wrote: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the
knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has
given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the
knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been
given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these
you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:2-4) (emphasis added). The
light that Christ brings has a direct relationship to escaping the lust of
the world and to being a partaker of God's holy nature.
The scriptures state that the just shall live by faith. The biblical basis
for faith is the "exceedingly great and precious promises" of God. The
knowledge of God's promises, of His faithfulness, of His love, and of His
mercy and grace enable the believer to put a saving faith and trust in God.
By faith one lives under the grace of God, receives the help of the Holy
Spirit, and serves God. To do this requires a knowledge of the truth.
Without a foundation of this knowledge there is no basis for a faith that
transforms a person.
Peter writes that God's power has "given to us all things that pertain to
life and godliness." He says that through the promises of God "you may be
partakers of the divine nature." But without the light of the knowledge of
God and His promises, there can be no transforming faith.
Destroyed for lack of knowledge
God said through the prophet Hosea, "My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). When Israel left walking with God and abode in
darkness, they lapsed into sin. God said of them, "There is no truth or
mercy or knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1). God is ready to show
grace and transform a person. His power is available and His promises given.
It is a lack of knowledge concerning this that keeps one from freely
receiving from God.
Set apart by Christ: into the light
The regenerated believer has been set apart from darkness into the light of
Christ by the work of Christ. Sanctification is based on resting upon Jesus
Christ as the Way. He is the light and way through which God is known. The Holy Spirit is given
through Christ that the believer may
not abide in darkness any longer. By reckoning and abiding in the light of
the knowledge of God the believer can be fruitful in the sanctified position
he has in Jesus Christ.
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