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 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 enables 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 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 stopped 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 so that the believer may not abide in darkness. 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.