What does it mean for God to "sanctify" us in Leviticus 20:8? Setting the Verse in Context Leviticus 20 unfolds a series of commands calling Israel to live distinctly from the surrounding nations. The Lord anchors every command in His own holiness. Verse 8 says: “Keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” Key Word: “Sanctify” • Hebrew root qādash means “to set apart,” “to make holy,” “to dedicate.” • Holiness is not merely moral purity; it is distinctness—belonging exclusively to God. • The verb is in the participle form—“the One who keeps on sanctifying you.” God’s work is ongoing. Who Does the Sanctifying? • God alone claims the role: “I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” • Israel’s obedience is vital, yet it is responsive, never self-generated holiness. • Exodus 31:13 echoes the same truth: “It is a sign between Me and you…that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” What Sanctification Looked Like for Israel • Distinct worship—no idols, no foreign sacrifices (Leviticus 20:1-7). • Distinct relationships—purity in family and sexual life (Leviticus 20:10-21). • Distinct community—justice, integrity, love for neighbor (Leviticus 19). • Their difference showcased God’s character to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). How God Carries Out Sanctification 1. Calling: He chooses a people (Genesis 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9). 2. Covenant: He gives authoritative commands (Leviticus 18-20). 3. Cleansing: Sacrifices foreshadow a greater atonement (Leviticus 17; Hebrews 13:12). 4. Indwelling Presence: Ultimately fulfilled by the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 8:9). 5. Truth: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) New-Testament Echoes • 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely.” • Hebrews 13:12 – Jesus “sanctified the people by His own blood.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Be holy, because I am holy,” quoting Leviticus. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Sanctification is God-initiated, God-sustained. Our part is yielded obedience. • Holiness is not a private achievement but evidence of belonging to the Lord. • We are set apart for purpose: proclaiming His excellence (1 Peter 2:9). • Daily choices matter—habits, media, relationships reflect who owns us. • Confidence grows from knowing the One who commands holiness also empowers it (Philippians 2:13). Living the Reality Choose today to cooperate with the Sanctifier. Keep His statutes, practice them, and rest in the assurance that “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) |
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