Preparation

In the biblical context, preparation often refers to the spiritual and practical readiness required for worship, service, or encountering God. The concept of preparation is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the need for a heart and life aligned with God's will.

In the Old Testament, preparation is seen in the meticulous instructions given to the Israelites for worship and sacrifices. For instance, the preparation of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:3-6) required specific actions to ensure the people were ready to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt. The priests also had to prepare themselves before entering the Holy of Holies, as seen in Leviticus 16:4, where Aaron is instructed to wash and wear sacred garments.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist's ministry is a prime example of preparation. He called people to repentance to prepare the way for the Lord (Matthew 3:3: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’"). This preparation was not merely external but involved a transformation of the heart.

Jesus Himself spoke of preparation in the context of His second coming, urging His followers to be vigilant and ready (Matthew 24:44: "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."). The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) further illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness.

Sanctification

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's purposes and being made holy. It is both an instantaneous act and a progressive journey in the life of a believer. The term is derived from the Latin "sanctificare," meaning "to make holy."

In the Old Testament, sanctification is often associated with the consecration of people, places, and objects for divine service. For example, the priests and the tabernacle were sanctified for worship (Exodus 29:44: "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests.").

In the New Testament, sanctification is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout the believer's life. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (BSB: "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality;") highlighting that sanctification involves moral and ethical purity.

The process of sanctification is both God's work and the believer's responsibility. Philippians 2:12-13 (BSB: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.") illustrates this dual aspect, where believers are called to actively pursue holiness while relying on God's power.

Sanctification is ultimately aimed at conforming believers to the image of Christ, as stated in Romans 8:29 (BSB: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers."). This transformation is a testament to God's grace and the believer's commitment to living a life that honors Him.