"This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes. I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, Corinth was the capital city of Achaia, the southern region of the Greek peninsula. to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, Or because you belong to Christ Jesus. Just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours" -1 Corinthians 1: 1-2 (NLT).
I will read verse 2 from two other versions.
"To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:" (AMPC).
"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:" (ESV).
The first version tells us that the Corinthians are made holy in Christ. The two versions used the word 'sanctified' in place of 'made holy.' To make holy is the same as sanctify.
One fundamental truth we need to know is that our coming to Christ (accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour and become born again by His Word and Spirit) made us holy. We became sanctified (called by God out of sin and profanity, into Christ). Not only that; He also gave us His Spirit to live in us. The reason why the Holy Spirit could live in us is because God made us (our spirits) holy first. Then, He now sent the Holy Spirit to live in us.
It was not us that made ourselves holy. It was God that did it in Christ. He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and which was granted us in Christ from all eternity (2 Timothy 1:9).
Even though we have been sanctified in Christ, we ought to live that sanctified life. Living in accordance to our sanctification. That is, our manner of life has to manifest holiness. This is our responsibility. You are the one to say "NO" to every defilement and profanity of the body and soul. The Bible tells us,
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;" (1 Peter 1:15). Just as the God Who called them and sanctified by His Spirit (1 Peter 1: 2) is Holy, they also should be holy in their way of life. If we were not made holy in our spirits, it would not be possible to live a holy life. So, we have to submit to God's holiness in us and conform our minds and bodies to it. We bless God for the divine grace and ability to function and live in His holiness. Praise the Lord.
God bless and keep you and have a glorious day.
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