Painting by Lindsey Keith
Hello Friends, I am guest posting today for #WORDNerdWednesday over at My Messy Desk. Come read with me.
Consecration – kon’-se-krat, kon-se-kra’-shun– (noun) the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word consecration literally means “association with the sacred.” Persons, places, or things can be consecrated, and the term is used in various ways by different groups or religions.
For example, the word “consecration” is used in the Catholic Church as the setting apart for the service of God of both persons and objects.
In the nondenominational church, “consecration” is viewed with more of a focus on the person rather than on their service to God. This is seen in the purifying of oneself (sanctification). Separating oneself from the world and devoting oneself to God. Two things are applied here. First that man separate himself from evil ways and companions so that he is fully devoted to God, second that God separate guilt from the conscience, sin from the soul and all in order to make a man internally and externally holy.
Old Testament – In the Old Testament Bible, we see the consecration of the the Hebrew High Priests (Exodus), we also see the consecration of the Levites and Nethinim – the temple assistants (Numbers). Further, we see the Consecration of the Altar. Exodus 29:37 (ESV) says “Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it, and the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar shall become holy.” The place that offerings were brought to and sacrificed on, was called to be set apart and made holy. Lastly, we also see theThreefold Sacrifice of Consecration in the offerings brought to the altar (sin, burnt and peace offerings).
New Testament – In the New Testament Bible, we see consecration as duties and graces of the new life. Romans 12:1 (ESV) says A Living Sacrifice, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” 1 Corinthians 10:31(ESV) says “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Further, In the New Testament we see the Greek word teleioo, which defines consecration as “to make perfect.” Jesus whom was the only perfect One, came and made perfect the law.Hebrews 7:28 (ESV) says “For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the Word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.” Perfected – egkainizo, means “to make new.” Hebrews 10:20 (ESV) says “By the new and living way that He (Jesus) opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh.”
Because we live in and beyond the New Testament of days, believers are regarded as beingconsecrated to God. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) says “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
It is easy in the times we find ourselves in to go to church and be “Sunday Christians.” Life gets busy and so many other things take over our schedule. We stop making time for God and blame it on our busyness, duties or roles in life. However, 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that not only are we chosen, but that we also have a reason for that which we are called to. We can no longer look or act like we use to. Since we have been made different, renewed and in the image of Christ, we are called to stand out, be set apart and make a difference right where we are at.
Consecration begins with dedication and ends up with a person possessing the mirrored image of Christ in their daily life. More time is spent on becoming who Christ desires them to be and less time is spent on one’s own personal agenda, likes and desires. This is a true picture of consecration.
There is a growth toward maturity that is required as one becomes consecrated to the Lord. In fact, that growth and maturity is evidence of a true believer. People notice a difference. A true believer stands out, they do not fit in with the norms of the current culture. They adhere to what the Lord teaches in His Holy Word. This is much, much different than the current world system of today’s day and age.
To finish reading this post please go to: Creative Inspirations at my Messy Desk
#Consecration #WORDNerdWednesday #beYOUtifulMom
In Him,
Misty
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