When we trust Jesus as Savior, God changes our identity. We become His child. We are changed. We do still live in our old bodies. God begins the process of sanctification in us.
“13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
Shirer defines sanctification as “…the process by which we are molded into the image of Jesus, so that we begin to have the mind, attitude, and actions of Christ.” (page 53) This sanctification takes work on our part as God works in us.
“21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Notice that in the verse above we lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness. We meekly receive the engrafted word.
“12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
We are also to present our bodies to God for His service. We actively work with God to be sanctified, to be transformed and our minds renewed. We then see that who we are is changed to be more like Christ. What an incredible truth and work of God.
Note: We are loosely following the study Defined, by Priscilla Shirer. Her book goes much more in-depth; I believe it will be encouraging to you. Each week in the study, there are video lessons to watch. I found them on Youtube at this link. The book and study are based on the movie Overcomer which is on Amazon Prime or available at the link. Each week in the study, there are video lessons to watch. I found them on Youtube at this link.
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