Both the words consecrate (or sanctify) in the Old Testament (Qadash) and sanctify in the New Testament (hagiazo) mean 'to place in a relation to God answering to His holiness'. Neither word means merely “to set apart", but “to set apart for God”.
As you read through the Old Testament, God is forever telling His people to come out from among, to separate themselves, for the purpose of not being pulled into their evil practices.
What if we all asked God:
What would You call me to separate myself from in this life that I am living?
How would You have me make a strong stand for those in my sphere of influence (for instance, my kids, friends, small group, Bible study group, those I mentor, etc.) to be consecrated unto You and Your purposes for their lives?
Where would He say that I am of the world and not just in it?
Where would He say that I see sin and look upon it and my heart does not break like my Father’s heart breaks?
If the instruction was given today to "...put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst" Ezekiel 9:4, would I get a mark?
Where are my thoughts or actions contrary to the Word of God and my heart does not grieve?
Where would He say that I see sin and look upon it and my heart does not break like my Father’s heart breaks?
If the instruction was given today to "...put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst" Ezekiel 9:4, would I get a mark?
Where are my thoughts or actions contrary to the Word of God and my heart does not grieve?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts,
And see if there be any hurtful way in me
And lead me in the everlasting way.” .....
Psalm 139:23,24
....to be set apart for You answering to Your holiness.
....to be set apart for You answering to Your holiness.
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