sanctification

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -51

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A Broken and Contrite Heart: Reflections on Psalm 51

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of your own mistakes, that deep ache in your soul where regret meets desperation? I know I have. There have been moments in my life when I’ve strayed far from God’s path, only to find myself on my knees, crying out for mercy. Psalm 51, penned by King David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, captures this raw human experience like no other. It’s not just a historical prayer; it’s a blueprint for repentance, a heartfelt plea that resonates with every believer who has ever fallen short. From a Christian perspective, this psalm reminds us that true restoration comes not from our efforts, but from God’s boundless grace through Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross. Let’s unpack it verse by verse, making it personal and drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the Nicene fathers.

David begins with an urgent cry: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1, ESV). Here, he doesn’t appeal to his own merits—after all, what could a adulterer and murderer offer?—but to God’s character. This is expository gold: “transgressions” refer to willful rebellion against God’s law, and David acknowledges that only divine mercy can erase them. In my own life, I’ve learned that repentance starts here, not with excuses, but with humility. As Athanasius, a key defender of the Christian faith, reflects on this psalm’s theme of confession: “You sinned and feeling guilty, you repent and ask to be shown mercy. You have words of confession and conversion in Psalm 51.” His words encourage us that no sin is beyond God’s reach when we turn back in genuine sorrow.

Moving deeper, David pleads, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (v. 2). The imagery is vivid—like scrubbing a stained garment until it’s spotless. Expositively, this points to the thoroughness of God’s forgiveness; it’s not superficial but penetrates to the core. He continues in verse 3-4: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” David owns his guilt fully, recognizing that sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God, not just horizontal harm to others. This personal admission is liberating—I’ve found that when I stop minimizing my faults and confess them openly, as in 1 John 1:9, God’s light breaks through the darkness.

But David doesn’t stop at confession; he traces sin’s roots: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (v. 5). This isn’t excusing his actions but acknowledging original sin, the inherited brokenness we all share since Adam. From a Christian lens, it foreshadows our need for Christ’s redemptive work. Diodore of Tarsus, a fourth-century leader whose teachings influenced Nicene theology, expounds on this verse: “Behold, I was born in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me. He employed remarkable thinking… as if saying to God, So you wish to call me to account not only for my sins but also for my forefather’s: they did not prove grateful to you, and neither did I—rather, I inherited in some fashion the ancestor’s ingratitude, and from them I draw the habit of sinning against you.” Diodore’s insight reminds us that repentance involves confronting our shared human frailty, yet God’s mercy covers it all.

The psalm shifts to hope in verses 7-9: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.” Hyssop, used in Old Testament purification rituals, symbolizes humility and cleansing—pointing forward to the blood of Christ that truly purifies (Hebrews 9:19-22). David envisions restoration: from brokenness to joy, from ashes to renewal. St. Augustine beautifully captures this in his exposition: “You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: You shall wash me, and above snow I shall be whitened.” He emphasizes the transformative power of God’s forgiveness, inspiring us that no matter how stained we feel, God can make us radiant.

Finally, David prays for inner renewal: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me… Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (vv. 10, 12). Expositively, “create” echoes Genesis 1, implying God alone can remake our hearts. This is where the psalm becomes profoundly inspirational—repentance isn’t the end; it’s the gateway to joy and service. Augustine echoes this: “A clean heart create in me, O God: and a right spirit renew in my inner parts.” He highlights how God restores us not just for our sake, but to teach others: “I would teach unrighteous men Your ways, and ungodly men to You shall be converted” (v. 13, per Augustine’s rendering). In my experience, the times I’ve been forgiven have fueled my desire to share Christ’s love with others.

Friend, if you’re carrying hidden sin today, let Psalm 51 be your prayer. God doesn’t desire perfect people; He seeks “a broken and contrite heart” (v. 17). Through Jesus, who fulfilled this psalm’s longing, we find full forgiveness and renewed purpose. Repent, receive His mercy, and step into the joy of restoration. As you do, may your life become a testimony, drawing others to the Savior.

The Bond of Christ

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“For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.” (Hebrews 2:11, ESV)

In the rich tapestry of Scripture, Hebrews 2:11 stands as a profound declaration of the intimate union between Christ and His people. This verse, nestled within the epistle’s exploration of Christ’s superiority and His role as the pioneer of salvation, offers a wellspring of encouragement for believers. From a conservative Christian perspective, rooted in the authority of Scripture and informed by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, Hebrews 2:11 reveals the transformative power of Christ’s work, the dignity of the redeemed, and the call to live as His brothers in holiness and hope.

The Shared Source: Unity in Christ

Hebrews 2:11 begins with a striking affirmation: both “he who sanctifies” (Christ) and “those who are sanctified” (believers) “all have one source.” The Greek term for “source” (ek henos) points to a shared origin, which many Christian scholars often interpret as God the Father or the divine plan of salvation. This unity underscores that Christ, though fully divine, took on human nature to become one with us. As the eternal Son, He humbled Himself, sharing in our humanity to redeem us from sin’s curse (Philippians 2:7-8).

The Church Fathers marveled at this mystery. St. Athanasius, in On the Incarnation, wrote, “He became man that we might become divine,” not in essence but through participation in His holiness. Christ’s incarnation bridges the chasm between God and humanity, making us partakers of His divine life through sanctification. For Christians, this truth is a cornerstone: our salvation is not merely a legal transaction but a transformative union with Christ, rooted in His redemptive work.

The Sanctifier and the Sanctified

The verse identifies Christ as “he who sanctifies,” emphasizing His active role in making us holy. Sanctification, in conservative theology, is both positional (our standing as holy before God through Christ’s atonement) and progressive (our growth in godliness through the Holy Spirit). This dual reality reflects the finished work of Christ on the cross and the ongoing work of the Spirit in believers’ lives.

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Hebrews, highlights Christ’s sanctifying power: “He Himself became the sacrifice, and He Himself sanctifies… for by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Chrysostom’s insight reminds us that Christ’s atonement is the foundation of our holiness. Christians hold fast to this truth, rejecting any notion that human effort apart from Christ’s grace can achieve righteousness. Our sanctification flows from His perfect sacrifice, applied to us by faith.

Yet, Hebrews 2:11 also calls us “those who are sanctified,” affirming that believers are set apart for God’s purposes. This identity is not earned but bestowed through Christ’s blood. As St. Cyril of Alexandria noted, “By uniting Himself to us, Christ makes us His own, purifying us through His own purity.” For the devout believer, this is a call to live in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1), pursuing holiness in a world marred by sin.

Brothers of Christ: A Dignity Unashamed

Perhaps the most astonishing part of Hebrews 2:11 is that Christ “is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Despite our sinfulness, Christ identifies with us as family, sharing in our humanity and securing our adoption as children of God (Galatians 4:4-5). This is no mere sentiment but a divine act of grace. The eternal Son, who reigns in glory, calls redeemed sinners His brothers, elevating us to a dignity we could never attain on our own.

St. Augustine reflects on this in his Sermons: “What a great honor it is that He deigned to call us brothers… He who is above all creation, the Only-Begotten Son, has made us co-heirs with Himself.” For Christians, this truth is both humbling and exhilarating. It reminds us that our worth is not rooted in worldly achievements but in Christ’s unmerited love. In a culture that often devalues human life or measures worth by fleeting standards, Hebrews 2:11 proclaims that believers are cherished by the King of kings.

This brotherly bond also carries a responsibility. As brothers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character. The Church Fathers consistently taught that union with Christ demands a life of virtue. St. Gregory of Nyssa urged believers to “imitate the example of our Elder Brother,” living in obedience and love. Christians see this as a mandate to uphold biblical values—truth, purity, and compassion—in a world increasingly hostile to God’s design.

Living as Christ’s Brothers Today

Hebrews 2:11 is not merely a theological statement; it is a call to action. For the Christian, this verse inspires a life of gratitude, holiness, and mission. Knowing that Christ is not ashamed of us, we are emboldened to stand firm in our faith, even amidst persecution or cultural pressure. As brothers of Christ, we are part of His family, the Church, and are called to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34-35).

Moreover, this verse fuels our hope. The Church Fathers often linked Christ’s brotherhood to the promise of glorification. St. Irenaeus wrote, “He became what we are, that He might make us what He is.” One day, we will fully reflect His glory, free from sin’s stain. This eschatological hope strengthens conservative believers to persevere, trusting that our sanctification will be complete when we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2).

In a world that often feels fragmented and lost, Hebrews 2:11 offers an anchor. It reminds us that we are united to Christ, sanctified by His grace, and called His brothers. Let us, then, live as those who belong to Him—proclaiming His truth, walking in His holiness, and resting in the unshakable love of our Elder Brother.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son to sanctify us and call us brothers. May we live worthy of this calling, reflecting Your holiness and love. Through the wisdom of Your Word and the guidance of Your Spirit, help us to honor Christ in all we do. Amen.

The Meaning of Union With Christ

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The concept of union with Christ lies at the heart of Christian theology and is a subject I have been delving deeply into this past year. Few groups have articulated its significance as vividly as the Marrow Men, a circle of 18th Century Scottish theologians, including Thomas Boston. They were influenced by Edward Fisher’s The Marrow of Modern Divinity and championed the free offer of grace and the believer’s intimate, transformative connection with Jesus. For the Marrow Men, union with Christ was not a dry doctrine, but the very essence of salvation and the Christian life. For a fuller treatment of the Marrow Men, a good resource is Sinclair Ferguson’s The Whole Christ.

To grasp union with Christ, we begin with a simple yet profound truth: believers are “in Christ.” This New Testament phrase – woven through Paul’s letters and Jesus’ teachings – describes a spiritual bond that redefines who we are. The Marrow Men leaned on this rich, biblical imagery to bring this reality to life.

+ The Vine and the Branches (John 15:5) Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, drawing our spiritual reality from Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

+ The Head and the Body (Ephesians 4:15-16) Christ is the head, directing and sustaining the church as His body, with every part united under His care.

+ The Bridegroom and the Bride (Ephesians 5:25-32) This tender love between Christ and His church mirrors the closeness of this union.

These pictures reveal that union with Christ is no mere legal transaction. It is a living, breathing relationship — organic, intimate, and life-giving. Through faith we are joined to Jesus, and in this union, we receive every blessing of salvation.

This union with Christ is a golden thread running through the gospel. Indeed, it is the gospel, the good news. Here is how this union shapes key aspects of our redemption:

Justification – When we are united with Christ, His righteousness becomes ours. On the cross, He took our sins; in exchange, we receive His perfect standing before God. Our acceptance isn’t earned — it’s a gift rooted in connection with Him.

Adoption – Union with Christ brings us into God’s family. As Jesus is the Son, we become sons and daughters, sharing His inheritance. We can cry “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15) embraced by the same love that rests on Christ.

Sanctification – This union does not just declare us holy — it makes us holy. United to Christ’s resurrection life, we are empowered to die to sin and live for righteousness. The Marrow Men stressed that this growth in holiness flows naturally from our new identity, not from grit or guilt.

Union with Christ is the fountainhead of all spiritual blessing. It is the core of what it means to be saved.

The Marrow Men faced their share of critics back in the 18th Century and the same charges are laid against those who believe in salvation by grace alone today. They were charged with antinomianism – the notion that grace cancels out the need for obedience. After all, the critics said, if we are united with Christ and secure in His righteousness, why bother with God’s Law? The Marrow Men rightly answered their critics by insisting that union with Christ doesn’t erase the Law, it actually fulfills it.

Far from breeding lawlessness, this union with Christ ignites a desire to obey. When we taste Christ’s love and grace, we are changed from within. Obedience becomes a joyful response, not a grim duty or obligation. The Holy Spirit, working through our connection to Jesus, renews our hearts, aligning our wills with God’s will. This is the authentic path of holiness — not forced compliance but a life reshaped by love.

So, what does this mean practically? How does this truth help us live day to day. For one, it brings comfort in trials. Life can be brutal but union with Christ offers unshakable hope. If we are united to Him in His death, we will be united in His resurrection (Romans 6:5). No matter the storm, He is with us and we are secure in Him.

Secondly, it gives us assurance of salvation. Doubts may creep in, but union with Christ anchors our confidence. Our salvation rests on His finished work, not our shaky efforts. Because we are in Him, we can rest assured of God’s unchanging love.

Third, it gives us a motivation for holy living. Knowing we’re united to Christ stirs us to reflect His character. As we grasp our new identity — forgiven, adopted, empowered — we are driven to live for God’s glory, not out of fear but out of gratitude and joy.

Imagine a weary traveler, burdened by guilt and failure, suddenly finding themselves welcomed into a king’s family. That’s the daily reality of union with Christ – a truth that lifts us up and spurs us on.

As the Marrow Men rightly understood, union with Christ is the heartbeat of the gospel. It is the foundation of our salvation, the source of our growth and the comfort of our souls. This union invites us to marvel – that we, broken and unworthy, are bound to Jesus — forgiven in His death, alive in His life and destined for His glory. In a world of striving and doubt, this doctrine shines as a beacon of grace. To be in Christ is to be complete, secure and forever His. Let that truth sink in — and let it change everything.

The Power of Biblical Repentance

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Yes, The 180º Project has been delayed for a few months now. Good news is that it is headed into the final stretches and will be ready for editing by the end of July. To whet your appetite, here is an excerpt from the book — Enjoy.

Riding on a carousel is great fun for thousands of children. Brightly painted horses, enchanting music and shining lights all add to the experience. One can climb on a gaily decorated pony and go up and down while revolving around and around or sit upon a horse transfixed on a pole, forgoing the vertical movement. No matter which one you ride upon, when the carousel stops its spinning you are back where you started. It is a pleasant ride, but one that takes you nowhere.

For many people, a carousel ride is an apt description of their spiritual life. If you have attended the same church regularly for a long time, you have probably observed such people. As a pastor, I have lost track of the number of people caught up on a spiritual carousel, a merry-go-round of misery that they cannot stop.

Week after week, the same individuals are at the altar pouring out the same confessions. “God, I’m sorry I got drunk again Friday night. I won’t do it anymore.” “Lord, I am ashamed of looking at pornography. I promise to never watch it again.” “God, I’m going to clean up my language this week.” “Lord, I’m sorry for…”

There they kneel, pouring out tears Sunday after Sunday, and yet their lifestyle never changes. At the altar they seem so sincere, so broken-hearted but there is no different in their life after they walk out the doors of the church. For many people, coming to the altar only has a placebo effect, the spiritual equivalent to a sugar pill. Their sincerity is short lived because it is emotion based and emotions change mercurially.

They have confessed, but not repented. The difference between the two is enormous, as we shall see in more detail in chapter three, when we break down the elements of biblical repentance. Confession is the first step; it is necessary but it is not biblical repentance.

They are sorry, to an extent. They are sorry that their sin has been exposed, sorry for the repercussions that are following them, the consequences they must now face. They may even want to reform, to stop their destructive habits, but not so much that any real effort is expended. Should God take away their desires for their sinful habits they would be well pleased. For them to exercise self discipline and take responsibility for their actions – well, why should they do that?

If God really cared, they reason, He could heal them, cleanse them, make them strong enough to conquer their demons. God is entreated as a magic genie or cosmic vending machine instead of a holy, righteous, jealous God who expects His followers to grow and mature in faith.

While God can pick you up off the spinning horse and throw you off the carousel the simple reality is that He rarely does. Never in Scripture is complete victory over every temptation instantly granted to anyone. Instead, we are required to submit daily to His Lordship, learning how His grace is sufficient, how His power is more than adequate for any battle we face. One is more likely to hear God say, “Go, and sin no more,” putting the responsibility back on us.

Mankind is called upon to endure as a soldier of the cross, not to ask for wings to fly over the troubles of the world. We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus daily, not to ask for the cross’ removal.

What we desire is instant sanctification, not on-going reformation. God is at work transforming us day by day into the likeness of His Son. What we want is a short cut devoid of any hard work on our part. Scripture teaches us that God works in us and through us, as well as for us. Until we decide to come aboard the process His way, we will remain frustrated by our lack of spiritual progress.

For far too long, churches have taught a false definition of repentance. As a result, whole generations have grown up without the slightest clue as to what biblical repentance truly is.

 

Richard Blackaby once made this astute observation:

 

“The problem with (an altar call for rededication) is that it is not biblical. The crux of the gospel message is not a call to rededication, but a call to repentance. John the Baptist preached repentance (Matt. 3:2). Jesus preached repentance, both in His earthly ministry and as the resurrected Lord (Matt. 4:17; Rev. 3:19). If one’s previous commitment did not keep him walking in obedience, a re-commitment is no more likely to make him faithful. The proper response to disobedience is not a commitment to try harder, but brokenness and repentance for rejecting the will of Almighty God. God looks for surrender to His will, not commitment to carry it out. Rather than asking church members to repeatedly promise to try harder, churches must call their people to repent before Holy God.”

The concept of repentance gets muddled up with sorrow, regret, remorse and penance. While elements of each of these things can be present in biblical repentance, there is much more to this concept.

Saying one is sorry (showing remorse) and promising to never do an action again is commendable, but it falls 90̊ short of biblical repentance. Feeling sorrow or regret over the pain or loss one has caused by their actions is a necessary component of biblical repentance, but by themselves they fall completely short of the biblical idea. Doing penance, or making restitution for a wrong is commendable but it doesn’t necessarily include the elements of sorrow or regret. By the same token, one may be sorry they were caught or sorry for the consequences of an action and yet make no attempt to give restitution to the one injured or stolen from. They may also have no remorse over the action itself.

Biblical repentance is a 180̊ change. Not only is one regretful over causing the grievance and ceased the offensive action, but they will replace that action with doing good in its place. Even beyond that, this good will have at its core the desire to serve God through that action.

For example, Scripture tells us not to have coarse or vulgar language coming out of our lips but to speak those things which are edifying or that build one another up in the Lord.

 

 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 NASB

 

Merely cleaning up one’s language isn’t enough, that is only a 90̊ change. A change for the better, to be sure, but far from the 180̊ change which includes uplifting and encouraging words that the Bible commands us to do.

Another example would be the command to refrain from stealing. Not only are we told not to do this in Ephesians 4:28, but we are told to go to work and provide for others so that others will not be tempted to steal.

 

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. NASB

 

In our two examples, then, biblical repentance looks like this:

Old Habit: Replaced By: For this Purpose:
Vulgar Language Edifying Language Building up others
Stealing Work Helping others

 

Biblical repentance has, at its end goal, a purpose that God uses to witness of His saving power to a watching world. As people see a transformation take place in a life, a metamorphosis of character and lifestyle, God is glorified. The Bible verse, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NASB) comes to mind as we explore the heart of Biblical repentance. The good works are not done for recognition. They are not done out of pride. They stem from a heart so completely changed a person cannot help but to do them. They flow from gratitude for God’s grace. They flow from love that channels through them from God to their fellow man. Biblical repentance paves the way for the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit to be manifested in the world.

A person is no longer a thief and more than a reformed thief – he is now a philanthropist. Another person is no longer a foul-mouthed shrew, but an encouraging, uplifting motivator of those in distress. A third is no longer an abuser and manipulator of people but a champion for the oppressed, spending their time and energy in providing justice for those with no voice.

All of these things begin with a broken, repentant heart that is open to receiving the transforming power of God’s Spirit. What makes the transformation different is the purpose and motive behind the new behavior that is occurring. Everything is now done so that the recipients of the changed behavior do not just enjoy the benefits, but that they are actively being drawn towards the love of God (if an unbeliever) or deeper into the love of God (if they are already a Christian).

God doesn’t just change a heart so a person becomes better but so that he or she becomes an instrument drawing all mankind to Himself so His power is displayed. One word, above all others, captures this transformation. That word is metamorphosis.

The phenomenal transformations of a caterpillar into a butterfly and a tadpole into a frog may be the best illustrations of the 180̊ shift biblical repentance brings about in a person. This metamorphosis is spoken of several times in Scripture.

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NASB

 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Titus 3:5-6 NASB

 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NASB

 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.       2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB

 

These verses, among others, show us the glorious reality of a life that is now completely different than what it used to be. They show us the delightful possibility of what a life can become, if only one allows the Holy Spirit to rule and reign. The Apostle Paul himself is an excellent example of a transformed life. From a brutal persecutor of the Christian faith, Paul is metamorphosized into a tireless champion and propagator of the Gospel. The very institution he was trying to destroy finds much of its foundational beliefs expounded and clarified by Paul. Such a remarkable transformation is evidence of a changed life.

This type of story is repeated over and over throughout the Scriptures. Jacob transforms from a liar and a cheat into a patriarch of great faith. Manassah goes from being one of the most wicked kings Israel ever knew to instituting religious reform. Peter, who cowardly denies knowing the Lord on the night of His arrest, boldly becomes the leader of the fledgling church and goes to his own martyrdom proclaiming his faith.

At the heart of every Biblical story of a transformed life is a repentant attitude. There is a conviction of wrong-doing, a remorse for causing pain and suffering, a crying out to God for forgiveness and an empowerment by the Holy Spirit to do wonderful works in His name.

Biblical repentance is more than sorrow and more than regret. It is more than remorse and more than penance. It is more than a sincere person crying out of distress over a ruinous lifestyle, powerless to keep from falling back into sinful habits. It is more than a penitent crying out, week after week at the altar over the same mistakes, trapped in a merry-go-round of deceit. Biblical repentance leads to a changed life that is fundamentally different in character than what it used to be. It has been transformed by the power of God. The old has passed away, it is no longer there, haunting a person. The new has come, filled with the joy of the Lord’s salvation.