Sanctification is the process of growth toward godliness ... in the lives of those that believe (i.e. have faith). It is God's desire that His children grow in grace ... as it is our desire that our children grow in character and maturity.
Do you believe in "Once saved, always saved", Quester? I hadn't gotten that in the past from you. However, those who DO believe that, sanctification is really a pointless exercise. If Christ covers us up with His own righteousness and we are saved for heaven no matter what we do after that one-time faith declaration, then it is an utter waste of time and effort. Think about it. OUR OWN sanctification doesn't matter, because Christ will cover us with HIS anyways...
I agree that sanctification is VERY important on whether we will enter the Kingdom or not. My question was a rhetorical one to Blogger. In the world of OSAS, sanctification is a moot operation.
And I would say that such relationship with God requires continuing faith.
AH, now you're talking, brother. We have a relationship with God. What relationship relies on a one-time declaration? Faith is an ongoing walk in God. Thus, salvation, which depends on our faith, is also dependent upon our walk in the Lord, our relationship with Him.
Regards
Sanctification is the process of growth toward godliness ... in the lives of those that believe (i.e. have faith). It is God's desire that His children grow in grace ... as it is our desire that our children grow in character and maturity.
Do you believe in "Once saved, always saved", Quester? I hadn't gotten that in the past from you. However, those who DO believe that, sanctification is really a pointless exercise. If Christ covers us up with His own righteousness and we are saved for heaven no matter what we do after that one-time faith declaration, then it is an utter waste of time and effort. Think about it. OUR OWN sanctification doesn't matter, because Christ will cover us with HIS anyways ...
I believe that ... as long as one wishes to be a child of God ... and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ ... then one's desire is in agreement with God's desire ... and that God will facilitate that desire.
Note that the knowledge of God ... and the desire to be with God ... comes with a lot of baggage (if you will).
By that, I mean that the soul which desires to be with God ... will also desire the things of God (i.e. love, peace, joy, contentment, etc.) ... and that God will grant that soul the power to realize such desire.
I do not, necessarily, believe that the soul which has, once, chosen God ... will never choose to reject God, ... but I maintain that this would be a defining life choice ... and that, such a decision would be irrevocable (like Satan and the fallen angels).
I believe that God might let you walk away (Hebrews 6:4-6) ... but that He will never let you just slip away (John 10:28-29), ... that He, Himself, will never cast you out (John 6:37), ... and that He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).
I agree that sanctification is VERY important on whether we will enter the Kingdom or not. My question was a rhetorical one to Blogger. In the world of OSAS, sanctification is a moot operation.
Santification does not become a moot point ... just because that it likely that the child of God ... will always be a child of God.
Even if you are irrevocably saved ... God still desires that you will grow. He doesn't want us to be spiritual babes forever, ... but He will not discard us for being spiritual babes, either.
He will patiently endure with us ... to ultimately grow us up.Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?