The Upward Look
© Copyright 2009, Max D. Hutto,

“According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood.”
   1 Peter 1:2a NASB ©

The elect, the chosen, the believers, are sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. The word sanctify means to be set apart, to be consecrated, to be dedicated for God’s service. Sanctify often carries the idea of the lifelong growth process the believer goes through to become more and more holy and obedient in his life in Christ. However, in this verse the context is on the moment of conversion. The Holy Spirit sets apart the new convert as a holy, chosen child of God. This new holy life thus is consecrated and obedient to Jesus.

Lord God, thank You for the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in my life setting me apart to be Your holy servant. Teach me to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in my life.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)