4 Joyous Ways Sanctification Adds to the Gift of Free Choice (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of 4 Joyous Ways Sanctification Adds to the Gift of Free Choice. If you missed part one, click on this link to read the full definition of sanctification.

Read the definition? Then wait no longer! Check out how sanctification adds to the gift God gave you from the beginning of time – free choice.

#1 Joyous Sanctification – No Longer Sinning

It’s easy to recognize the difference between sins and mistakes, right? Well, not always. However, growth in grace during the process of entire sanctification reveals the difference. Sins are those actions you habitually, and rebelliously do against God. Sin(s) separated you from a relationship with God. Whereas mistakes are non-rebellious choices you make in your life after you receive initial sanctification.

Growth in the grace of God helps break the habit of some difficult sins over time. Sometimes the sin continues due to habit rather than rebellion toward God. But, once you dedicate your life to God, you become set apart from the trap of sin (Romans 6:11-13). You find yourself avoiding sin and feeling the power from the Holy Spirit leading you to make right choices.

Sanctification adds to your free will by removing the rebellion aspect from your choices.

#2 Joyous Sanctification – Making Right Choices

When you recognize the Spirit’s voice during quiet time, and as you stay in a spirit of prayer throughout the day, and follow his lead, you always make the right choices.

Yes! It’s true! Your free will doesn’t require you to fight against the Spirit, but to work with him. You avoid making wrong decisions when you agree with the Spirit. You are a strong-willed creature, but joy comes in the experience of trusting God more and more as you receive the specific guidance needed for every situation. Without Him, your choices are more like chances. With Him, they become beautiful life-giving changes.

Sanctification adds to your free will by dissolving the snare of sin allowing you to make better choices (Romans 8:1-4).

#3 Joyous Sanctification – Hearing the Voice of the Spirit

Initial sanctification is enough for you to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit through the death of Jesus Christ; Jesus left his Spirit as your guide until his return. But, first choosing Jesus and receiving the gift is not enough. Receiving the Spirit of Jesus is not an automatic step toward following the Spirit.

One of the biggest joys of growth in grace through sanctification comes when you hear the voice of the Spirit more clearly. Your spirit aligns with his when you choose to allow the grace of God to help you become Christ-like. God’s Spirit speaks directly to your spirit in ways you could never understand before you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

For example:

You asked for and received the perfect set of headphones for your iPad. You’re excited! You’ve acquired the one thing yo change your listening experience. But, if you never plug them into the device, the gift does not get used the way it was intended. You can look at the headphones all day long, but if you don’t use them, the gift can’t thoroughly do its job.

You hear the voice of the Spirit better when you plug into him through the act of entire sanctification.

Sanctification adds to your free will by clarifying the voice of the Holy Spirit in your life.

#4 Joyous Sanctification – Carefree Life

Before I prayed a prayer of sanctification, I’d often felt weighed down by my problems. I made many wrong choices throughout my “desert” experience. It’s not as if surrendering my will to the leading and power of the Holy Spirit completely stopped me from missing the right course of action – free will is still a gift that comes with blessings and consequences. However, sanctification took away the anguish I suffered. I received an attitude adjustment – I finally learned how to go about life carefree, living by Holy Spirit power.

You must remember, Holy Spirit knows everything about you. He knows the deepest recesses of your heart. And, he knows the past, present, and future. Allowing Holy Spirit to lead and guide you leaves you feeling carefree, knowing he is focused on your best interest combined with the will of God. Holy Spirit will never point you in the wrong direction. Life is lighter, easier to handle when problems come along, knowing you’ve given control to God.

Sanctification adds to your free will by offering freedom from worry and care for yourself.

Conclusion

Three parts to sanctification? Yes – initial (salvation), entire (entirely devoted to God), and glorification (in heaven). If you missed the full description, click here to read the definition of sanctification.

Unfortunately, many folks go no further than initial sanctification through the blood of Jesus. Don’t lose out on the discovery of the 4 joyous ways sanctification adds to the gift of free choice: no more sinning, making right choices, hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, and living a carefree life. Take full advantage of what God offers by dedicating your life to Him.

All the ways listed above made possible when you give back the gift of your free will to the control of the One who knows you better than you know yourself (Philippians 4:13).

Are you ready now to find freedom by adding joy to your free will? Below is a short prayer to aid as a guide. Use it to dedicate yourself to following the Gift Jesus left for you. Don’t just receive the Gift, use it too.

Dear God,

I received the gift of the Holy Spirit when I accepted Jesus, but I’ve never used his guidance. I want to know You more and to hear Your Spirit more clearly. How I need Holy Spirit’s presence, power, and leading to make right choices. Knowing that only through Your grace can I grow into Christ-likeness, I’m ready. I’m willing to fully submit my life to the direction of the Holy Spirit for the cleansing of sins, to be set apart for your service, and follow him wherever he leads. Thank you for this incredible gift.

Amen

We are happy to be a part of your journey! This site is all about applicable Christian living. Bookmark this site and return often to find many blogs and articles to help you grow in the grace of God by living out your new sanctified life. Remember, Holy Spirit is always with you leading and guiding.