“The sanctification of the church-community consists in its being separated by God from that which is unholy, from sin… For the community of saints this implies three things. First, its sanctification will manifest itself in a clear separation from the world. Its sanctification will, second, prove itself through conduct that is worthy of God’s realm of holiness. And, third, its sanctification will be hidden in waiting for day of Jesus Christ.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship
There are sentences that I come upon that, at times, take my breath away. As I am going through F.F. Bruce’s commentary on Hebrews, I am finding a lot of those moments.
The passage is Hebrews 2
10 It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters whom he’s leading to glory. (CEB)
Bruce says this:
“For sanctification is glory begun, and glory is sanctification completed.”
I love those sentences that sit me back in my chair, cause my gaze to move away from the book, close my eyes, and just wonder. This was one of those times.
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. (1 Thess. 5:23-24, NRSV)
The work God has started in you will be complete. He alone is the One who sanctifies you entirely.
And he is able.
We serve the One who is faithful.
