"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."

     Christ's death on the cross was not limited to forgiveness of sin and promise of eternal life.  The redemption Jesus died for was to redeem humankind back to who God created us to be.  The Apostle Paul clearly states that the old self, each person was born with, was crucified on the cross with Jesus.  We know elsewhere this was for forgiveness of sin, but here Paul emphasizes it is to break the power and rule of sin in a believer.  Paul is referring to what has been called original sin.  All humankind was created in a pure relationship with God, but Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden severed that relationship and resulted in the rest of humankind being born in "original sin."  The difference between how a person was created (in Adam and Eve) and how they were born (result of Original Sin) is why Jesus died on the cross.  Our "born nature" (old self) must be identified with Jesus in crucifixion so that our "created nature" (new self) can live freed from the power and destruction of sin.  Christ's resurrection is the evidence that his death on the cross broke the curse so that all who identify with him in death will now be able to live with him in the resurrection of new life.  

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his." (Romans 6:4-5)

     Freedom from the power of sin is the complete redemption bought by Christ on the cross.  Not only are we forgiven of past sins but we are freed to live as we were created to live in Adam and Eve.  All this is available through Christ's death.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul 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.

       As Paul comes to the end of his letter he prays for the church of the Thessalonians to be sanctified by the God of peace, through and through.  Notice the emphasis of Paul on the completeness of this sanctification.  He uses the Greek word holotelous which is a combination of holos meaning all or the whole and telos meaning completion.  This is where the translation of "entirely" comes from and is the scriptural basis for Entire Sanctification.  A synonym to this word is teleios which often is translated as "perfection".  He uses a similar word when praying for their "whole spirit, soul and body to be kept blameless."  So Paul prays for believers to be completely purified and made holy in every aspect of their being.

       This is something only God can do.  It is not by working harder or consecrating ourselves more.  It can only be done by a work of God, a work of grace. Remember this is for people who are already believers. Paul is referring to a second work of grace to sanctify a believer completely.

       It should also be noted his prayer is not about after one dies, or after Christ returns; it is for the purpose of a believer to be kept blameless when Christ returns.  The use of the word "at", which is not in the Greek, in most translations can be misunderstood.

       The trustworthiness of this work of God happening to a believer is based on God's faithfulness and power, not the believer's.  Paul is confident God "will do it" in them.  Have you experienced this work of God?  Do you wish to seek God's full sanctification?

(Published in June-July, 2017 Grace Notes)