Unlimited: We Are Sanctified Offerings
Nov 24, 2023 473
so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16c).
This is the great purpose for which we are told that we have a priestly duty to share the Gospel. Paul is continuing with his metaphorical reference to the temple and its priestly service.
In what way are the Gentiles an acceptable offering to God? Offerings were considered those things that belonged to God alone. The Gentiles were an “offering” because, although they had previously not been God’s people, now, together with the Jews, the Gentiles were now a people who belonged to God.
The Gentiles were sanctified by the Holy Spirit, based on Christ’s finished work at the Cross, the moment they believed.
Offerings offered to God in the Old Testament had to be holy. The Gentiles were now holy, “having been sanctified” by the Holy Spirit. The perfect passive participle used in the Greek for “sanctified” describes a completed action that happened to the Gentiles in the past.
“To sanctify” means to separate for God’s purpose. Sanctification here is not an ongoing process. The Gentiles were sanctified by the Holy Spirit, based on Christ’s finished work at the Cross, the moment they believed.
The Gentiles are an offering to God because when they understand who Jesus is and what he has done for their salvation, they willingly surrender themselves to God. Most of us are Gentiles, and we are an offering to God in the same way.
Spiritual Application
Spend a significant time this week focusing on the cost of your salvation by Jesus at the Cross. Let that lead you to offer your entire self to God.
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