The law required that the animal for sacrifice be set apart, slaughtered and prepared by the priest before being laid on the altar. Likewise, we have to consecrate (set apart) yourselves and be sanctified by Jesus, our High priest, to become a living sacrifice, dead to sin and alive to God! 'Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.' (Romans 12:1) We cannot sanctify ourselves, but it's the ministry of the High priest who first had to sanctify himself before sanctifying others. "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth ... For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." (John 17:17-18) He sits like a refiner of silver to refine us. 'For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.' ( Malachi 3:2-3) The blood sanctifies our spirit, the word sanctifies our soul and the Spirit sanctifies our body. 'May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, so and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is FAITHFUL and he will do it.' (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) Many are called to salvation but only those who heed to the calling and consecrate themselves will be chosen to enter. "For many are invited, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14) Those who are sanctified will stand before him. 'Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous ...' (Psalm 15:1-2) 'Therefore , my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.' (2 Peter 1:10) Amen
Sam Matthews. K
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