Now those who belong to Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:23, TLV
J or S? Here’s that old confusing justification and sanctification thing. Our redemption is both simple and complex. Justification means without our earning it, we are redeemed even though we don’t deserve it. Because it is only by the grace of the Father and atonement by His Son, that our sins are covered.
Sanctification is the process of living out the crucifixion of our flesh. Because we will be dealing with those passions and desires that fight against the spirit in us for the rest of our lives.
I keep going back to Zechariah 3’s image of the High Priest Joshua (which is the English translation of Yeshua, by the way) with the filthy garment.
Now Joshua was wearing filthy garments and standing before the angel who answered and spoke to those standing before him saying, ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’ Then to Joshua he said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you and will dress you with fine clothing.” Zechariah 3:3-4, TLV [Emphasis Mine]
That is redemption. The filthy garment is removed, and he now wears the holy garment wrapped around him by the Angel of the LORD.
Sanctification is what’s under Joshua’s robe of righteousness, is his same old flesh. For the rest of his life, he’ll strive to emulate that righteousness that covers him.
This was a prophecy and imagery of our redemption through justification and our ongoing life in the pursuit of sanctification.
Listen well, Joshua Kohen Gadol [High Priest], both you and your companions seated before you, because they are men who are a sign—behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch. Zechariah 3:8, TLV [Emphasis Mine]
We wear Yeshua’s robe of righteousness as the Father’s redeemed children. But underneath, well, we’re still flesh. For the rest of our lives we will crucify that flesh as we emulate our Messiah. It’s not our works that redeemed us–it’s the precious blood atonement of our Savior (Titus 3:4-7).
We belong to GOD’s family because of all that. That knowledge, that understanding, well, it’s a great way to begin the day, yes?
