Understanding Your Religion

Those sanctified have spiritual gifts.

Indeed, we do have spiritual gifts. These however, are not those that some feel we possess today if we are truly saved. Paul lists these in Ephesians 1:3-14. He states we are blessed in the heavenly places by God. In other places Paul speaks to Christians being gifted to carry out the work of the church (Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:11-12, I Corinthians 12–14).

The problem some have today is that they want the special spiritual gifts given through the Holy Spirit during the first century, specifically, speaking in tongues. This gift was given at Pentecost and seen in other places in the record of Acts. In later references, Paul indicates that of all the gifts, this is the least significant (I Corinthians 13). The ability to demonstrate miraculous gifts ended with the death of the Apostles since only they had the power to transfer such gifts to others (Acts 8:13-18). To believe that today we have miraculous gifts is to misunderstand and perhaps practice false teaching.

Those sanctified can perform miracles

Like other spiritual gifts given through the Holy Spirit in the first century, the ability to perform miracles was given to a limited number of Christians for the purpose of demonstrating God's power and for the growth and edification of the Church. Not all Christians had those powers, however. A good example of this is found in Acts 8:9-24 with Simon the Sorcerer. He did not have the miraculous gifts and wanted to purchase the power from the apostles. Peter rebuked him for his misunderstanding. These gifts also ended.

Faith is knowing God, trusting God and obeying God. We demonstrate our faith as we come to believe God, obey His command to repent and be baptized. He now adds us to His Kingdom (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26, Colossians 1:13). We must also believe God when He states we are saved (sanctified). As our spiritual maturity increases, our faith increases and as our faith increases, our spiritual maturity increases. As this growth process continues, so too does our relationship with God and our understanding that we truly are sanctified. Sometimes it is difficult to accept this as we continue to see sin in our lives. Always remember I John 1:5-10. God lovingly, willingly and without reservation takes us back as we repent. In fact, sometimes when we think God is not there, however, during these times He is usually there the closest. A lesson we learn from the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is to never be afraid to come home.

Power – The power of God is not seen in whether or not we can perform miracles but rather how God takes us as repentant sinners and develops us into servants in His Kingdom. Review Paul's words in Romans 7:1-25 as he reviews his weaknesses and how Jesus is the only One Who can save him. In II Corinthians 12 Paul states he has been given a thorn in the flesh specifically so that God's power can be seen more clearly in him.

As a lesson to us, Paul teaches in II Corinthians 4:7 regarding the treasure we have in "jars of clay" so that God's power is seen through us. Again, not in our power to teach, preach or other gifts, but how God works through us. We are the humble and fragile vessels through which God reveals His will to a lost and starving world.

Positional stage – When we are set aside following our baptism. This is the beginning stage. God places us, we do not join.

Practical stage – This is our daily effort to live according to God's will and as we take the gospel to the world making disciples. This is the daily struggle we all share as we seek to live faithfully.

Perfected stage – The use of perfect here is not intended to mean without faults or blemishes. It is a stage of completeness. We never achieve this in this lifetime. This stage is given by Christ when He returns to take us home. Remember, God does not demand perfection, but He does require faithfulness.

Always remember that God sanctifies us, we do not sanctify ourselves. Sanctification begins with our new birth at baptism and continues through our lives as Christians as we strive to be Christlike in order to both honor and know God.