“I think deep down we’d like to find a pathway to sanctification that is instant and effortless- no long process, no hard battle.”- Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
“Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”- 2 Timothy 2:22
In Chapter 5 (“The Pathway to Holiness: Put Off”) of Holiness, Nancy DeMoss states no instant and effortless pathway to sanctification exists. Rather, she adds, “the pathway of holiness requires intensity and intentionality.” Put another way, through the Holy Spirit’s power, we must constantly and consciously aim to be holy.
Hence, Scripture describes a two-fold process of sanctification. That process involves “putting off” and “putting on.” The two sides of holiness often appear in the same passage. For example, James 1:21 reads:
“Put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Also, mortification (a synonym for “putting off”) derives from a Latin word meaning “to kill” or “to put to death.” Spiritually, the term indicates a struggle or battle with sin. We need to take determined, decisive action. Therefore, we must take an ax to the roots of sin in our life.
As a result, holiness and sin cannot thrive at the same time. One or the other must die.
Yes, to mortify indeed involves ridding oneself of inherently sinful things. Yet, it points to a broader application. We must be willing to eliminate influences fueling unholy thoughts and behavior. For they lead us into sin- even influences not necessarily evil in and of themselves.
That means we need to cut off every possible means to sin.
Today’s question: What Scriptures guide you on a pathway to sanctification? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ”
