We are nearing the end of our study of The Purpose Driven Life book. The first sentence in the book is, “It’s not about you.” While reading the book, this sentence has reminded me to keep the Lord as top priority.
The process of our salvation is not just a single event but is a lifelong journey that includes 3 phases: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is when we trust and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are forgiven and justified from our sins through Jesus. The process of salvation doesn’t end in being justified but continues in sanctification where our lifelong purpose is to be like Jesus. This book helps us understand how and why we are to mature during the sanctification phase. During sanctification, we are learning more about God’s character and responding by serving Him. Our works during sanctification are not for our salvation but for building God’s kingdom. Glorification is the completion of our faith when we receive our glorified bodies. We cannot participate in any phase of the salvation process without God. You can’t skip one phase and jump to another phase because each phase is experienced in order.
The sanctification process is where the rubber meets the road, where life’s frustrations, struggles, challenges, and successes are experienced. Unfortunately, this is where some may stray from their faith as a result of selfishness, pride, idolatry, deception, or other reasons. However, this is also where our lives produce spiritual fruit when we submit, trust, obey, and allow God’s love to be manifested through us as we live the five purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and missions. How can we claim to be saved if we ignore the responsibilities of a sanctified life? Sanctification requires us to be continually abiding in Jesus and producing fruit if we are to be like Him. We become successful in living a sanctified life when our focus remains on Jesus and not on ourselves. This phase will prepare us for glorification.
May the Lord restore the joy of your salvation as you live out the five purposes.