SET APART FOR GOD'S SPECIAL PURPOSE

SET APART FOR GOD'S SPECIAL PURPOSE

In the book of Leviticus chapter eight we see Moses preparing Aaron and his sons to become priests of the Lord. Moses called them forth, washed them, he clothed them in linen robes, then He added to each one a belt, a turban on their head, and then anointed them with a special oil. Fully clothed in their priestly garments designed by God, Moses sets them apart for the special purpose as priests of the Lord.

In 1 Peter 1:2 (GWT) Peter writes, “God the Father knew you long ago and chose you to live holy lives with the Spirit's help so that you are obedient to Jesus Christ and are sprinkled with his blood. May good will, and peace fill your lives!” He further states in 1Peter 2:5, “You come to him as living stones, a spiritual house that is being built into a holy priesthood. So offer spiritual sacrifices that God accepts through Jesus Christ.”

“God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“He saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal.” ( Titus 3:5 )
“If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God's approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved.” ( Romans 10:9-10 )

The Bible has many examples of how God covers us with his love and righteousness. Take for instance, the parable of the prodigal son who returns to his father's house, and is given new clothes and his place in the family restored. (Luke 15:22) Remember Adam and Eve in Genesis how they tried to cover their nakedness (sin) on their own with insufficient materials. But we see God in his mercy came and clothed
them for the environment they were subjected to.

In Ephesians chapter 6 we are instructed to put on the full armor of God. The Holy Spirit helps us to clothe our selves in this armor every day. It is not put on through a prayer, but rather it is applying it to our lives.

The Holy Spirit anoints us with the oil of Joy and removes the grief and mourning of our past life of sin. Psalm 23;5b says, “You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” Psalm 45:7 says, “the Lord has loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God has anointed us with the oil of gladness.”

In conclusion according to the Scripture, “we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that we may proclaim and show forth the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.”(1 Peter 2:9)

As priest of the most High God we have the ministry of reconciling people to God by proclaiming the gospel, calling people out of their sin, and showing them that Jesus is the way , the truth and the life. Jesus told Paul that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from Satan's control to God's direction. Then they will receive forgiveness for sins and a share among God's people who are made holy by believing in him. (Acts 26:18) people who are made holy by believing in him. (Acts 26:18) people who are made holy by believing in him. (Acts 26:18) people who are made holy by believing in him. (Acts 26:18)