A Word on Sanctification

Most Bible students know that in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures the word holiness and sanctification, with scarcely any exceptions have the same meaning. In the Old Testament both words come from the same Hebrew root; likewise in the New Testament, both words come from the same Greek root. The Hebrew and Greek words for sanctification and holiness simply mean to set apart as sacred, to consecrate, to dedicate. May I say that both in our salvation and in our walk with the Lord, it has been God's purpose, not merely to set us apart from the world, but to set us apart as sacred to Himself. Sanctification speaks of God's love to us more than of our love to Him.
God wants us for Himself. He considers us His hallowed possession, much as a bridegroom considers his bride his very own, sacred to himself. This shows how precious the believer is to the heart of God and makes our separation from the world and sin the natural result of our consecration to Him. Paul says in 1Thessalonians 1:9, ...."you turned to God from idols...." notice he did not say you turned from idols to God. Child of God, true Scriptural sanctification, or holiness, does not consist in dos and don'ts, nor sinless perfection. It is rather a consecration to God which results in a closer walk with Him. You think about that.
...."from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." (2Thes. 2:13)
"To God's elect,....who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood:" (1Peter 1:1-2)