What Really Happened at the Cross? Sanctification

“…God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13

I love touring art galleries. I am amazed at the level of talent and creativity that God has given some people. I am not one of those people. I draw really bad stick figures, but when I leave an art gallery my desire is to be able to capture the world and paint it on canvas. So it is when I have stood in the Presence of Almighty God. I am in awe of His purity. I desire to go forth and be pure. This process of purity is sanctification.

Sanctification is a one-time event and an ongoing process. When we are washed through the blood of Jesus we are sanctified. Our sins are washed whiter than snow. We stand pure. A blank canvas ready for God to paint His masterpiece. Then I sin. My sin nature has not yet been conquered and I choose self. I must each and every time, take my canvas back to the Master and ask for Him to clean me up again so that He continue to paint. I must strive to live a life of purity through the Holy Spirit and through the truth of God’s word. As I study and allow my mind to be renewed, and I choose to walk therein.

Before the cross, my canvas was scarlet and black. I had no way of cleaning it up on my own. Now, I stand and look back and can to see the strokes of the Master on my life and I want more. I want Him to continue to paint. He can only do this when I put the paintbrush and the cleaning brush in His hands and walk in purity.

I pray that you will allow the Master Artist to paint your life. It is only best when we take our hands off, allow Him to clean us up (continually) and give Him free reign to compose. May you know His beauty in you.