In his message based on John 17:16-19, Pastor Nicky Joya said that Jesus Christ made it possible for us to become holy, not by our works, but through the work of our Lord on the cross. This is called our sanctification.

A. The Meaning of Sanctification
(vv. 16-17)

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them."

"To sanctify" or "to be made holy" simply means "to be set apart".

1. Positional Sanctification - An instantenous act whereby the believer is set apart from sin's domain into the domain of Jesus Christ. This involves being made righteous and forgiveness of sin.

Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 10:8

2. Practical Sanctification - A progressive process whereby the believer is transformed into Christ-likeness.

B. The Means of Sanctification
(vv. 17)

"Sanctify by Your truth. Your Word is truth."

1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 5:25

C. The Model of Sanctification
(vv. 18-19)

"As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

1. He lived with a distinct set of values.

2. He lived with a distinct passion: to glorify God.

3. He lived with a distinct mission: to die on the cross to bring about the sanctification of all believers.

Lessons to Apply:

1. As the Master is passionate about the holiness of His followers, so must we be about our personal and corporate holiness.

2. The Bible-studying and obeying it is the primary means to holiness.

3. Although we live in the world, Christians are not of the world. This is the balance we must strive to maintain.

Previous Articles