Jesus calls us in order to cure us. He chose us to make us holy. He forgives us so He can cleanse us. He calls His Bride but then makes her ready for Himself by sanctification and cleansing (Ephesians 5:26). He justifies us that He might sanctify us. He brings us out of slavery so that He might bring us to the Promised Land. He took us out of Egypt but then His deeper work is to take the longing for Egypt out of us.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NASB)
From “In The Steps of The Shepherd”, by H. Lamar Smith
