How May We Recognize Our Sanctification?

We read in Scripture about the importance of sanctification. How then can we recognize our growth in our Christian life? We can recognize this in several ways.

First of all, we don't practice sin as a part of our life. We see this illustrated in 1 John 1:6 and 7 (BBE) which says, "If we say we are joined to him, and are walking still in the dark, our words are false and our acts are untrue: But if we are walking in the light, as he is in the light, we are all united with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son makes us clean from all sin."

We also notice that our reactions and responses change as God's Holy Spirit works in us. James 3:17 (BBE) says, "But the wisdom which is from heaven is first holy, then gentle, readily giving way in argument, full of peace and mercy and good works, not doubting, not seeming other than it is."

Other people also notice our changing character which reflects our growth in the likeness of Christ. Colossians 1:9 and 10 (BBE) tells of the report of Epaphras to Paul of that church, "For this reason, we, from the day when we had word of it, keep on in prayer for you, that you may be full of the knowledge of his purpose, with all wisdom and experience of the Spirit, Living uprightly in the approval of the Lord, giving fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

We also are being made ready for eternity with God. Jude 1:24 and 25 (BBE) is a benediction which shows his desire for his readers to be made ready for heaven. "Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to give you a place in his glory, free from all evil, with great joy, To the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, let us give glory and honour and authority and power, before all time and now and for ever. So be it."

Another indicator of our sanctification is given in Titus 2:7 and 8 (BBE) which says, "In all things see that you are an example of good works; holy in your teaching, serious in behaviour, Saying true and right words, against which no protest may be made, so that he who is not on our side may be put to shame, unable to say any evil of us."

I could list more reasons but I'll keep those for my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Real followers of Christ seek to please him rather than themselves. This desire is so strong that even sinners notice our genuine service to our Lord.

On Saturday, I'll post about how Christians are often too timid to proclaim their faith. What a sad situation.