Salvation vs. Sanctification
Salvation vs. Sanctification
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:9
When it comes to salvation and sanctification there are some key differences. Some believe that they are the same thing. However, they are not. Sanctification is a one time action that someone does to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In other words, salvation happens when someone is saved.
Sanctification is an ongoing process. It is the process of us being renewed and restored through Christ. This takes place every single day. Or, it should at least. Every believer should be intentional and active when it comes to being sanctified. It is not something we can do ourselves, but it is something that we can partner with God to receive. Sanctification happens when we read our bible, when we fast, when we pray, when we fellowship, when we step out of our comfort zones to complete assignments from God and when we endure through trials and tribulations so we come out refined.
When Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taken from their home and brought into captivity, they were tested and put through many trials and tribulations. They were tested when they had to say no to the foods that were offered to them from King Nebuchadnezzar and instead eat vegetables and water. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were also tested when they were thrown into the fire for not bowing down to the statue of King Neduchadnezzar (Daniel 3). Job was tested when he lost absolutely everything in his life but still chose to worship and praise God even when people around him told him not to.
All of these tests were opportunities to be sanctified. And all of these men were sanctified through these experiences because they chose to cling to and trust God. When Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables and water, they were actually healthier and meatier than their peers who did eat the king’s meat (Daniel 1:15). The Lord delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fire (Daniel 3:25-27). And the Lord restored all that Job had - twice as much! (Job 42:10-17).
Sanctification may be a painful process at the moment but we always come out on the other side because of the Lord! We always come out more refined, wiser, more spiritually fit and with a cleaner heart, a purer spirit. What we go through is not in vain when we go through it with the Lord. This is why we can count it all joy when we experience various trials and tribulations (James 1:2-4).
Our attitude during the process
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4
I just want to reiterate that sanctification is an ongoing process. As Christians, we never “arrive.” It is a continuous journey towards being more like Christ. So do not beat yourself up or think you have backslid because of one mistake. There is a difference between someone who is living a sinful lifestyle with no repentance and someone who is actively trying their best to love the Lord, follow His commands and be Spirit led. Embrace sanctification, even when it is hard, because the rewards are always greater than the pain, and it will bring glory to the Lord.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8
Cancel the prosperity gospel
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us
2 Timothy 2:12
Some believers have this idea that when we accept Jesus into our heart life will be easier, smoother, less bumps in the road. But oftentimes, it is actually the opposite. We get more attacked many times because we are now a part of a mighty kingdom. One that comes with being involved in spiritual warfare.
So do not believe the rhetoric that something is wrong because you are going through trials and tribulations. Oftentimes, you are doing something right when you are being attacked. Believers everywhere are experiencing this, not just you. (1 Peter 5:8). However, if we stand firm and resist the devil and his schemes, he will flee (James 4:7).
We are not alone
Lastly, although many times it can feel like we are alone because our flesh feels lonely, this is far from the truth. The Lord says He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). In a world that glorifies self-sufficiency, make sure to repent from this. I am not saying it is bad to be able to take care of yourself and others and live a successful life. However, we are nothing without God. All things are for Him, through Him and to Him. (Romans 11:36). Salvation comes from Him and so does sanctification. We cannot be renewed and transformed without Him or the help of the Holy Spirit! So do not be afraid to pray without ceasing. Do not be afraid to be totally dependent on God, because He will not run out of energy or get tired of hearing from you. He wants and is able to help. He will always come through.