When we, as men, accept Christ in our hearts as our Savior, we are now washed clean of all our sins. Our sanctification is our new position in Christ. This new position in Christ means we now have peace with God because Christ bore all the penalty for our sin. Our new position can’t be earned; it can only be received. Furthermore, it’s not by our works that we are saved; it’s all by the grace of God, who calls us as His children into this new relationship.
I Corinthians 1:4
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
This is why we thank God for His grace in our calling and the peace we have with God, because our sins have been paid for by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours:
When we are saved through the blood of Christ and become children of the Most High, we are called to sainthood. Yes, we are now saints of the Most High. Being a saint means that we are set apart and made holy by God. We are not just chosen; we are set aside for good works.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We do not become saints based on what we do–we become saints because of our position in Christ! For example, the pans and vessels in the tabernacle were considered holy because they were used in the temple. Similarly, we, as believers in Christ, are now holy vessels meant to be used by God for good works.
2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…
When we reflect on God’s grace and mercy, especially the grace that He has chosen us as His own, how can we boast? The mercy we receive through Christ has paid the price for all our sins–both those in the past and those in the future–and now we have peace with God. We never deserved such a gift! We are made saints to be used by God for good works, all because He calls us His children. Our calling and the good works we perform have been predestined by God’s grace alone.
Romans 8:30
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
So, if He called us, cleaned us up, gave us new clothing, adopted us, and then calls us to work beside Him in good works, how can we reject such a great gift? Saints are chosen; they do not enroll! One is not a saint by what he does; he is a saint by who he is in Christ. All of mankind is divided between the saints and the ain’ts.
As saints, we should never doubt our usefulness. God knows everything and has prepared us for an assignment. All we need to do is accept it. This journey begins at the Cross of Christ!
Have a great weekend!
Stephen L. Thomas
RTM