April 1, 2021

Sanctification versus Fornication (2)

Words of Ministry

[Part 2 of 4] To possess one's vessel is to keep it, to preserve it. The apostle considers man's body here as his vessel, just as David did in 1 Samuel 21:5. In the same matter concerning the use of the body, both Paul and David consider man's body as his vessel. To keep or preserve man's vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, is the safeguard against committing fornication. Sanctification refers more to a holy condition before God; honor, more to a respectable standing before man. Man was created for God's purpose with a high standing, and marriage was ordained by God for the propagation of man to fulfill God's purpose. Hence, marriage should be held in honor (Heb. 13:4). To abstain from fornication is not only to remain in a sanctified condition before God, but also to hold and keep a standing of honor before man. Whenever someone becomes involved in fornication, he is contaminated, and his sanctification is annulled. Moreover, he loses honor before man. Not even unbelievers honor those who commit fornication. Therefore, we must know how to possess, keep, preserve, our own body in sanctification toward God and in honor before man. In order to be such persons, we must absolutely abstain from fornication and not give ground for suspicion in this matter. According to verse 5, we should not possess our body in the passion of lust as the nations who do not know God. Not knowing God is the basic reason for indulgence in the passion of lust. [continued tomorrow]