Sanctified Completely?

• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV)

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Some preachers and traditions seize on this verse as a proof-text that a person can walk in sinlessness now, prior to the coming of Christ. But the Bible is clear that we are not perfect, nor will we be while dwelling in this broken world (1 John 1:8). Furthermore, all one must do is read ahead one more verse and note the qualifying statement Paul makes:

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

In other words, the sanctifying experience that we have is ongoing and, at times, very frustrating. But we mustn't lose heart when we feel defeated. He is faithful and will surely do it - he will surely sanctify us who follow the Lord Jesus.

On another note, how rare it is to hear a Christian talk about God's faithfulness in this light. We refer to God's faithfulness in terms of providing our needs, but rarely do we give glory to God, praising him for his faithfulness in changing us, conforming us into his image.

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