Dec 11
10
SANCTIFICATION BY CHRIST
When the self-righteous Pharisee is made to admit that he can not use the law to justify himself, he will turn to the law to sanctify himself. Up till now Paul has been talking about justification, the work of grace for sinners, now Paul begins talking about sanctification, the work of God’s grace in those whom he reconciled to himself in Christ.
Paul knew the hearts of the unregenerate. The Spirit moves Paul to ask the question that the self-seeking man always asks when he hears the gospel of Christ.
Romans 6: 1: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Paul’s answer begins our message for today.
Romans 6: 2: God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Believers are not dead to sins influence, to its presence, or to its effects. But we are dead to the guilt and condemnation of sin.
We are also dead to the reign of sin over us as a master. This is what Paul develops in this chapter. Christ reigns in those born of God through the Spirit. Sin shall not have dominion over you. Paul’s answer, “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” is not to be attributed to the believer’s strength but must be attributed to Christ who reigns in us through righteousness unto eternal life.
In Ex 28:36 the high priest went in to make atonement just as Christ went in and fully satisfied–propitiated–God for his people. But the high priest also wore a gold plate engraved with “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” Christ Jesus is our righteousness and our sanctification. He is our Justifier and our Sanctifier. Christ the Power and Wisdom of God is the wisdom of life and the power of our newness of life. Being united to Christ through faith, we look no where else for sanctification. Mortification of the deeds of the flesh, walking in newness of life, is looking no where else but to Christ our Holiness.
Some seem to offset grace with “following after holiness.” Be sure it is Christ you are looking to and not your “following after.” We do not look to Christ for justification then to the flesh for sanctification. Christ is All and in All.