“Therefore if anyone is in Christ the new creature has come” 2 Corinthians 5:17
The goal of sanctification cannot be fully attained until you are in Heaven.
The new creature in Christ has to follow spiritual disciplines in the process of change. Making a decision for Jesus is just the starting point. If you are not willing to change Jesus will be a no show.
There are many steps a believer can take to initiate and make progress in becoming a sanctified being.
The believer has to desire to be holy. He has to be willing to give up his fleshly desires and the values of the world.
He has to ask God to reveal compulsive behaviors and genetic dispositions that are hidden from him.
The believer can only see glimpses of his personality but God sees everything.
Another positive step is to give the Holy Spirit authority over your life. This will unleash a strong dialogue with Jesus and guide your motives and decision making.
The Spirit works through the Word of God so spend quality time each day reading the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you learn how to appropriate the principles of Jesus into your life.
Prayer creates a healthy relationship with Jesus. Devote time every day for fellowship with Jesus. Commit your works to God, pray for your needs, listen for the voice of Jesus and seek His will for your life.
Pray for the simplicity and order of Jesus to be at work in your life. Jesus wants to be in all the routine and sometimes boring details of life. For instance, ask Jesus what you should do for lunch today and you will be amazed at how well He knows you.
Listen for the voice of Jesus and be obedient to His instructions regardless of the personal cost or lack of logic. Like Abraham, obedience to Jesus will be credited to you as righteousness.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you are thinking or doing that grieves the Spirit. Repent and turn away from any darkness.
Jesus is patient and is not looking for perfection just a willing heart to change!
Hal Hollister Ministry 