1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.

The word sanctification is a common word in the New Testament. It relates to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, and lives, to conform us to the character of Jesus Christ. The simpler definition of sanctification comes from the Greek word, meaning set apart.

The concept is not hard to grasp, as I’m sure you have things in your home that are sanctified — set apart for a particular use. I know I do. My wife’s butcher knives were not to be used as swords when my children were younger, pretending to be knights of the Middle Ages. My golf clubs were not meant for hitting rocks and acorns...wonder what gave them that idea...?

Some things are set apart for a distinct purpose and shouldn’t be used for anything else. The truth is, your life, which has been bought by the precious blood of the King, happens to be set apart for a distinct purpose: to bring glory to God through lives marked by godly living.

When little Victoria Guelph learned at the age of eleven that she was next in line for the British throne, historians tell us that she burst into tears. Then upon regaining composure, she said with great conviction and purpose, “If I am to be queen, then I shall be good.”

What a remarkable resolution! Even at the tender age of eleven, Victoria recognized something that many Christians never quite grasp — the principle of sanctification. Victoria determined with passion and conviction that her practice would live up to her position. When told that she would wear the crown as Queen of England, she determined to exercise a godly lifestyle worthy of her crown.

You are more like the royalty of England than you thought — having believed in Jesus Christ for salvation, you are royalty! Peter calls you a chosen race and a royal priesthood, which means that you are the highest order in God’s kingdom.

But the question is, have you resolved to live up to it? Are you exercising the kind of character worthy of the crown of life?

Today there is a dire need in our churches for people who will say with conviction, “Since I am headed for a future throne as fellow heir and ruler with Christ in heaven, I will live up to my position while on earth. Because of who I am in Christ, I will determine to live for Christ.”

Anything less will become like a dull butcher knife or a splintered golf club — fairly useless in performing the task it was distinctly setapart to accomplish. In God’s kingdom, we are chosen vessels to do His work for His glory...so, sanctify yourself.   

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