Sabbath-Keeping a Sign of Sanctification
By Hart Hall
SANCTIFICATION is the work of a lifetime, hence it should commence at once in our experience, and continue day by day. That there are deeper degrees and greater callings in this consecrated life, goes without saying. To many, the word “sanctification” is a mystery; and there is an intangible something in the expression, suggesting an experience that has never been theirs. It suggests a close intimacy with God. Such, in fact, sanctification is; but the word is not hard to understand, and the experience should be as readily gained. First it suggests an isolation or separation for a holy use or purpose. Such was the ordination of the two great pioneer apostles when the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2, 3. “Sanctify unto Me all the first-born: . . . it is Mine,” said the Lord to Moses. Ex. 13:1, 2. It was a transaction of transfer which He ratified many times in a miraculous manner through human instrumentality. The Lord said, “Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow.” Ex. 19:10. “And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people.” Verse 14. Such was the service of Hannah when she gave her child to the Lord. 1 Sam. 1:24. Inanimate objects were thus set apart or sanctified. “Moses said unto the Lord, The people can not come up to Mount Sinai; for Thou charged us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.” Ex. 19:23. The act of sanctification might be performed by the people themselves. We read, “And the Lord said, . . . Let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves.” Ex. 19:21, 22. Jesus said, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself.” John 17:19. Then again, this setting apart is God’s action. We read in Jer. 1:5 that the Lord said, “I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Again in Lev. 21:8, “He shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy.” The Lord’s holiness alone sanctifies the thing consecrated. Thus it appears that this work of separation from the world is performed by the Lord in conjunction with human choice. Let us see by what agency the work is accomplished. Said the apostle, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thess. 4:3. With this text in mind, let us read the prophetic announcement of the Messiah prior to His first advent: “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Ps. 40:8.7 Here the law of God in the heart is plainly stated to be synonymous with sanctification. That there could be no other conclusion to this text is certain; for we read in Ps. 37:30, 31 of the sanctified man: “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide.” This truth is further taught by the words of the Saviour, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17. Now read Ps. 119:142: “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.” In plain words, sanctification is accomplished through God’s word operating in us; all of which word is an exegesis of His holy law. And there is nothing that will separate a man or woman from the world quicker than a determination to keep the law of God. We find, then, the Lord accomplishes, in conjunction with our efforts and with our consent, a separation or sanctification through keeping His law; and Sabbath-keeping is a sign or proof of this work. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Ex. 31:13. Sabbath-keeping has been the test of the ages in regard to keeping God’s law. It is the test to-day.