WEDNESDAY, JULY 12
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
2 Corinthians 13:5

"Examine yourselves…
how that Jesus Christ is in you…"

MEANING OF SANCTIFICATION (6)

It is so important to treasure and maintain the Lord’s holy presence in our hearts, minds, life, family and church because as long as the Lord’s holy presence is with us, we are holy and sanctified, and are called "saints" (1 Cor 1:2), "holy brethren" (1 Thess 5:27), "holy people" (Deut 7:6), and "holy nation" (1 Pet 2:9). The ground which Moses stood on was holy ground because of God’s holy presence. "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Exod 3:5). But later that ground was trampled by people and animals as normal.

Truly understanding that we are sanctified not only by separation and dedication unto the Lord alone, but also by His holy presence and glory, we shall humble ourselves before God no matter who we are or what we have done for Him. Neither shall we despise others the way the Pharisee despised the tax-collector, thinking that he was holier than others (Luke 18:9-14). Sadly, there are so many modern-day Pharisees who also think that they are holier than others due to their continence, celibacy, abstinence, mysticism, strict self-discipline, more years in the Lord’s service, higher degrees in theology, or observance of religious practices. Some may think that they are holier than others because they do not celebrate Christmas or Easter, or because they do not eat out on the Lord’s Day! It is most blasphemous when a human being like the Pope thinks that he is qualified to canonise the dead who had done many good works and had performed at least two miracles! Despite many good works and miracles in Jesus’ name, many will be rejected when Jesus comes due to their lack of submission to the Lord and His will and Word (Matt 7:21-23). Thus, we must never think that we are holier than others. We are nothing and not holy at all without God’s holy presence! "… if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom 8:9), and "Examine yourselves… how that Jesus Christ is in you…" (2 Cor 13:5).

THOUGHT: Am I holy with God’s holy presence?
PRAYER: O Lord, keep me holy in Thy holy presence always.