“Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Yahweh your Elohim; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
—Joel 2:13 ASV
We live in a world full of sin and wickedness. Even within the Assembly today, spiritual falling away and loss of practical/progressive holiness can occur in an individual’s life. The necessity of the doctrine of sanctification or personal holiness (through the commandments) in a believer's life has been a most neglected subject or preaching with the majority of our Christian world today. Although this doctrine itself is not an easy one to be fully comprehended and applied by, it should be a must; the knowledge and concept of every sincere believer in the Messiah to practically have it in daily life. So let us look and study about the doctrine of Sanctification as a whole and it's implication for the believer's life, wherein we are called and kept for it.
One good definition for sanctification is that, "Sanctification is that work of Yahweh Elohim within the regenerate person through the indwelling Holy Spirit, in which the believer by faith grows into the image of Messiah and displays the fruit of the Spirit. The actual righteousness in daily behavior comes through sanctification in which the believer is made pure in life."
In the Old Testament, the term "sanctification" connotes both cleansing and consecration. It applies both to the ritual (Exo 19:22) and moral (Lev 20:7-8). In the New Testament it is more emphasized with the sanctification of moral sphere. And in the whole picture we are reminded that our sanctification should include ritual and moral holiness in life.
PHASES OF SANCTIFICATION:
►Preparatory Sanctification
By Preparatory Sanctification we mean that initial sovereign work of Yahweh preliminary to any experience in the life of the person who is to be sanctified. In this instant we see the works of Father, Son, and power of the Holy Spirit. Election and foreknowledge are of necessity the preparatory work of Yahweh prior to experiential Sanctification in man.
This also can be seen in the life of Esau (Gen 25:23), Jacob (Gen 25:23), Jeremiah (Jer 1:5), Samson (Jdg 13:2-3), John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17), and apostle Paul (Gal 1:15, 16). In all instances, the work of Yahweh the Father in which He sovereignly selects men and sets them apart before they are born into this world. Yet, still this will be taken as ongoing work of the called-elect until the day of perfect sanctification takes place in Yahshua Messiah.
►Positional Sanctification
Sanctification takes place partly in the subconscious life, and as such is an immediate operation of the Holy Spirit; it also takes place partly in the conscious life, and then depends on the use of certain means. Such as, the constant exercise of faith, the study of Yahweh's Word, prayer, and association with other believers. Our sanctification is understood first as a saving event in the past in which believers were sanctified 'once and for all' (Heb 10:29). It takes place instantaneously at salvation. Therefore we are addressed as the sanctified (1 Cor 1:2; Acts 20:32).
“As He who called you is Holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I Am Holy."
—1 Pet 1:15-16 ASV
►Progressive Sanctification
Sanctification is also seen as an ongoing work of Elohim in the lives of His children (John 17:17; 1 Thes 5:23). Although the Master had been ministering to His disciples for three years, and 11 of them had indeed already been sanctified by grace through faith in Him, He still prayed for their sanctification through the application of the Word of Yahweh in their lives. Through progressive sanctification, we conform more and more to His image in holiness with each day. The Bible plainly implies the possibility of increase or progressive sanctification in the life of believer. Sanctification is usually a lengthy process and never reaches perfection in this life. At the same time there may be cases in which it is completed in a very short time or even in a moment, as, for instance, in cases in which regeneration and conversion are immediately followed by temporal death.
►Perfect Sanctification
The Bible teaches that in the present life no one can claim freedom from sin ( I Kings 8:46; Prov. 20:9; Rom 3:10,12; Jas.3:2; I John 1:8) and be perfect. Perfection will only be obtained when we meet Yahshua face to face and are made a firstfruit(s) unto Yahweh. This is to be realized in the future, when we shall see Him face to face. There will be no more sin in thought, word, or deed and no old man to make us even want a shred of that old, shoddy condition. "We shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is" (1 Jn 3:2).
A Balanced View in the Role of Elohim and the Believer: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is El who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV).
From this topic we come to the point of two major facts whereby our sanctification is wholly or partially rested. We have seen from the Scripture that the ongoing sanctification in the life of believers is the work of Elohim. At the same time we should also understand that man has an active role to play in the present sanctification. This is a balanced view on the doctrine of sanctification. The role of man is just as clear in the Bible as the role of Yahweh. Throughout the years, believers have ignored the paradox and gone from one extreme or another. Because of this, they have ended up in trouble. To go totally to either side is sin; if you say it's all up to Yahweh, you will fail to carry out your responsibility. If you go to the side that says, "It is all me," you are walking in self-sufficiency. We need to accept the paradox and live a balanced believing life.
►Sanctified by Faith
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the unrighteous, his faith is accounted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5, cf. Eph 2:8:9 ). As we look back on the preparatory, positional, progressive and perfect sanctification we are assured that in the sanctification work the supreme author is none other than Yahweh Elohim, and is His free gift (divine) to one and all who are being called for that purpose. We live by faith. And it is very eminent that, also in the process of sanctification we are to live by trusting and believing in Yahweh Elohim while not concealing the very human responsibilities.
►Sanctified by the Word/Truth
Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth (John 17:17). Scripture’s which prove that the instrument of our sanctification is the Word of Yahweh are very many. The truth is the sanctifier, and “if we do not hear or read the truth, we shall not grow in sanctification” (By Spurgeon). It does apply that we sincere believers must always dive into or live by the Word. A clearest statement was made by David that without the word no man could have a progressive and personal holiness in the daily walk of life. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11).
►Sanctified by good works
From Bible perspective, when we speak of good works in connection with sanctification, we do not refer to works that are perfect, that answer perfectly to the requirements of the divine moral law, and that are of such inherent worth as to entitle one to the reward of eternal life. We do mean, however, works that are essentially different in moral quality from the actions of the unregenerate, and that are the expressions of a new and holy nature as the principle from which they spring. These are works, which Yahweh not only approves, but in a certain sense also rewards. Paul says, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is El which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). Moreover, the Saviour says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments” (1 John 14:15). By these it is clear that we are to live or work out (practice) what we believe by means of showing good fruits before Him and men.
Conclusion
Believers' sanctification is a process by which we are more and more being consecrated to the Saviour in true purity of life and our hearts are formed in obedience to the commandments of Yahweh by the work of Yahshua the Messiah and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We all need El's power and to live fully dedicated lives. It is the restoration of the image of Yahweh in us. We are called to sanctification. Since we are living in an unholy world and facing the challenges of secularism, as Yahweh's redeemed and set apart children, pursuit of holiness is the only alternative for us to be victorious in our believers' life.
Brother Isaac Mung
Pentecost June 15th: Shavuot (Feast of Pentecost) was good. We had a wonderful time; Shavuot falls in the harvest season, and is defined by the Torah as the culmination of a seven-week count beginning with the first barley harvest. The story of Ruth unfolds the background of the barley harvest allowing the poor to "glean" the stalks that fall to the ground during the harvest.
In this story, it shows how the poor were treated in the harvest season with sympathy and love. During Shavuot the entire book of Ruth was read throughout the entire celebration at intervals, we also read from the "Jewish Siddur"--portion of thanksgiving--blessings for special occasions, songs and praises to Yahweh.
Ruth was a woman of royalty, she renounced all that she could be expected to hold dear in Moab and voluntarily chose to go to Judah and there begin an entirely new life with her mother-in-law.
She was determined to abide with Naomi whatever the consequences and she became the ancestress of David as a result of her choice.
There was a lot of contributions coming from the brethren expressing their gratitude and love to Yahweh in Yahshua's Name. (Editor’s Note: See updated pictures from Trinidad and other locations online at YAIY.org)
Elder Locksley Joseph
“When you obey Me you should say,‘We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.’ ”
—Luke 17:10
Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua
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> This is the 6th year in the Sabbaticals, so no planting starting on Atonement October 10th, this year.
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We still are in need of funds for maintenance, but we’ll be looking at disabling sensors on the collator to get the Biblical Holy Days and The Mistaken J booklets pushed through it. Yahweh willing.
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Plan to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year by putting your 2nd tithe aside. It’s not too late!
> Thank Yahweh for all the good things in your life. Make a list and see how many things you can praise Him for!
> The Revealing The Truth television program is looking for local public access channels in your area. Can you lend a helping hand by taking our DVDs into them? Welcome to Honolulu, Hawaii, the newest station to be added! Call us today to find out how easy it is (1-877-642-4101).
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Share mini-studies with those who may be interested to know it’s good and proper to call on Yahweh Name.
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You can receive free DVDs or CDs of regular Sabbath Services held here at Kingdom City. New programs with the words to the songs are included with the DVDs so that one can sing along. CDs only have the message at this time. Request either one on a regular monthly basis, with no obligation or costs.
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You can be a new moon spotter, too. The new moons, which can be visibly seen each month, can be reported to NewMoonReport.org
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Treat your neighbor with respect and don’t disrespect those over you. Be an exemplary witness for the coming Kingdom of Yahweh.
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To remember everyone in your prayers. Intercessory prayer is one of the highest levels that you can pray getting you a little closer to Yahweh every day.