Monday daily devotional by Pastor David Okoye (Ambassadors Word Diet, 2nd OCT, 2017) - A sanctified heart

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV

The word, ‘sanctification’ is one that has brought about a lot of controversies in Christendom. It is important for you as a believer to balance whatever you hear about the Word of God with the Word of God.

So many Christians have been made to believe that there is nothing like sanctification; others have adopted the mentality that having a sanctified heart is impossible. This is not true!

Sanctification means dedication.

Sanctifying God in your heart means having your heart dedicated solely to God alone. When a man’s heart becomes sanctified, obedience becomes an easy feat. This is because the Spirit of obedience comes alive in a heart that is sanctified for God.

Sanctification, righteousness, and holiness are 3 terms that the body of Christ has not come to fully understand. These terms are related; but, they have their diverse meanings.

1 Corinthians 1:30 says,

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Righteousness isn’t living right but, standing right.

Righteousness is a gift (Romans 5:17). You receive the gift of righteousness by believing in Christ.

Being righteous isn’t based on your works (acts); it is dependent on the gift of righteousness you receive.

You see, the devil would do all he can to make you ‘less righteous’. He wants your righteousness to be based on your works.

You do not need to deserve it to have it; you simply have it by taking it. Ephesians 4:24 says,

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

A holiness is a progressive event. As you receive the gift of righteousness, you start becoming holy by sanctifying God in your heart.

True holiness isn’t acting sanctimonious; it is having your heart aligned with the intentions and call of God.

A holy life is a life where God becomes the centre of your intentions. When you sanctify God in your heart, sin-consciousness would have no hold on you.

DECLARATION:
I am dedicated to God and to His work. My heart is sanctified to Him alone. I live a holy and righteous life!


SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE:

Romans 6:19-22, 1 Peter 3:14-17