Now those who belong to Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:23, TLV

S or R?        Here’s that old confusing redemption and sanctification thing. Redemption means without our earning it, we are redeemed — justification. 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) 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 that 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 redemption and 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 because of all that. That knowledge, that understanding, well, it’s a great way to begin the day, yes?

Think More About It

How have you defined redemption vs. sanctification?

We are redeemed, my friends, how will we walk out that redemption?

Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompt

My soul waits for my Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning,
watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for ADONAI [the LORD].
For with ADONAI there is lovingkindness,
and with Him is full redemption,
and He will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities. Psalm 130:6-8, TLV

Yes, we are praying for Israel’s redemption from her enemies who seek to wipe them off the earth. Yes, we are praying for the hostages to be returned. But ultimately, the greatest redemption is redemption from sin. So, as we pray for protection and redemption from those who seek to destroy them physically, we also pray for that perfect redemption through the blood atonement of Yeshua. Amen? God bless you.