Can we become saints?
Yes, I do believe that in an earthly extent, we can. At first thought, I picture a Catholic scene with Saint Peter, or John with somber faces, wearing dreery robes, and holding their hands up like they are making shadow puppets. But in fact, being a saint isn't such a drab scene. A saint is simply a person in the body of Christ being sanctified daily though the grace of Christ.
My next question to myself is this: What is sanctification? Let's take a look at John 17:16-19 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truely sanctified." When we make the choice to follow Christ, accept His sacrifice, then we go forth into separation for Christ. Once we accept the sacrifice, we can be made holy. Hebrews 10:10 "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all." And not only are we set apart to be made holy, but we are of purpose. God has meaning to our road, to the specific ways that we will become sanctified.
What is the cost of becoming sanctified? Everything. 100% All you have. Everyday. No holding back. Sound appealing? Well if it means giving up my "self-stuff" then by golly, I'm not into it. And by self-stuff I mean self-exaltation, self-protection, self-righteousness, self-will, self-loathing, self-worship, self-serving, self-promotion, self-indulgence, self-absorption, self-delusion, self-pitty, or self-sufficiency. Self-stuff. I'll even have to give up my ideals of how exactly I will become sanctified.
How do we become sanctified? Just do it. Yes... it's so simple. So blaintly obvious that I have been thiking in circles wondering HOW? And for letting go of your dreams to become sanctified, that scares me. But why? God puts purpose and desires in my heart. Why wouldn't He use my gifts? I can only waste my gift by not going down the path of sanctification where it may be fully used by Him who freely gave. God isn't cruel. He doesn't desire to take away the joy in life. He made joy, and He desires that we experience joy to the fullest! How amazing is His perfect LOVE!
Right now, I'm on the road to sanctification. I'm not a saint. The work of God's holiness isn't done working in me, nor will it be here on this earth. But we can live lifes devoted to Christ. Like the Holy Spirit revealed to me here... Live on sacrifices day at a time. Eyes to the east. Hands to the cross. Feet to the path. That's my life "motto" at this time. God will take care of the rest, I don't know how to become sanctified. But He who is holy does.
My spell check is in Spanish...so If I have spelling errors, please look past them. I'm not the best of spellers. :) Plus I didn't read throug it again. Yes, I'm lazy.
I miss you all. Love you all!
This view. A giant castle... the view out my kitchen window. This isn't even half of it! None the less, it's beautiful, and I'll miss it so!
