"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:23

Sanctification (i.e. holiness, Christ-likeness) is God's intent for every Christian's life. It is a thorough (through and through) sanctification that encompasses our entire being (spirit, soul, and body) that God intends to produce in my life and yours.

Sanctification is God's work. We can never sanctify ourselves. On our own we will return to the sin that we needed God to save us from in the first place. Sanctification is as much a divine work of grace as is salvation. To experience an ever increasing sanctification in our life we must receive it as God's work by faith and cooperate with Him in this great work by obedience. Don't forget the promise of the very next verse, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (5:24).

Father, I believe that you alone can produce sancification in me and that you will do it. Teach me to receive this grace, trust your working in me, and to respond in obedience.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark