Being Set Apart
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (CSB)
Positional sanctification refers to the change that sets us apart by the Lord and for the Lord. This sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation. Living set apart means that our purpose and identity no longer rest in this world; instead, they completely rely on the Lord. We recognize that we are set apart and empowered by the Lord to serve Him faithfully and to be with Him forever.
Set Apart from the Old Self. The old self is plagued by sin and destined for the punishment of eternal death, facing the eternal wrath of God. In salvation, we experience a positional change from being destined for this eternal death to being positioned to receive eternal life and the eternal blessings and favor of the Lord. This positional change signifies that our identity is no longer that of a sinner but is now that of a saint. A saint is not merely a high and holy believer; every child of God is a saint. A saint is considered holy due to their positional change through sanctification at the moment of salvation.
Set Apart for the Lord. The status of being set apart does not come without expectations. As those set apart, we receive the command to serve the Lord and His kingdom. We exist to serve and obey Him. We are set apart to serve as instruments for carrying out the tasks of God’s kingdom. When we recognize that we are set apart, we take ownership of our new position in the Lord and view this position as both an opportunity and a responsibility to serve Him faithfully. When we are set apart for the Lord, we live in a way that focuses our attention on Him rather than on ourselves.
Set Apart For A Purpose. When we experience the moment of positional sanctification, we also gain the calling to serve the Lord with a new purpose. This new purpose is rooted in serving the Lord with faithfulness and obedience. This approach to life occurs as we shift our perspective from ourselves to the Lord and recognize that He has a calling for our lives. This calling becomes clearer through the process of sanctification as we learn how He has equipped and empowered us for this purpose, and how He is always with us on this journey.
QUESTIONS
Why would identifying as a sinner saved by grace not properly reflect the change that occurs in positional sanctification at salvation?
How can you strive to be away of the purpose God has set you apart for and how can your discover and learn to trust in the equipping and empowering of the Lord to fulfill this purpose?
