RUSSELL SANDERS
1-17-2022
SANCTIFY, SANCTIFIED –
LESSON 4

We have spoken of how people were sanctified unto God in the Old Testament, and how God was sanctified in the eyes of the people. Today we look at things being sanctified.

Exodus 29:43-44 speaks of the tabernacle of the congregation being sanctified by God’s glory. The people were made to see the tabernacle as a physical structure consecrated unto God. His presence dwelt in the most holy inner chamber. They would bring their sacrifices and offerings to the tabernacle throughout the year. Every three years they would take their tithes to it, from the increase for that three-year period. It was sanctified for worship and service, set apart unto the glory of God. In like manner, our churches and sanctuaries today are set apart to God for the gathering of His people.

All the vessels of the tabernacle and the temple were also sanctified for the house of God. Even the priestly garments were consecrated for temple usage. This is why King Belshazzar incurred the wrath of God during Daniel’s time in Babylon. He took the sanctified vessels stolen from the temple and used them for drinking liquor in his drunken party. He violated that which was sanctified for God’s purposes. He paid with his life and the loss of the kingdom.

We should learn a lesson from Belshazzar. “Touch not mine anointed” (I Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15) says God. Although God was speaking that about his prophets, it applies to all that is sanctified unto the glory and purposes of God alone.
We serve a holy and just God. Do not defile that which is sanctified unto Him whether it be a person, a place, or a thing.

Tomorrow we look at what it means to us as New Testament believers.