Deeper Life #19

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

—1 Corinthians 1:30

JESUS CHRIST DID A TWOFOLD work for us and in us, technically called justification and sanctification. God justifies us as Christ was crucified and risen outside us; God sanctifies as Christ is crucified and risen within us. God glorifies in virtue of both, as Christ is enthroned in the fullness of power.

We have justification as we are seen in Him. We have sanctification as He is seen in us. We have increasing glory and ultimate redemption as both of these divine works of grace combine in the sovereign purpose of God.

The forgiveness of sins is not the sole purpose of the atonement; it is but the means to a redemptive purpose—namely, holiness. Justification is the road to holiness, and to stop spiritual progress at one without the other is to annul both. Our Lord’s work of grace produces the greatest fact on earth, a saint—i. e. , a holy man or woman.

Holiness, not love, is the greatest thing in the world; for holiness is the basis of love.

Prayer Thought: May my life always reflect the beauty of holiness as I grow in grace.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Corinthians 1:23–31