The life of a believer can be summed up in three words: saved, sanctified, and sent. All
three are captured in our text. When Paul talked about the purchase of our freedom, he
was referring to the first of the three, salvation. The means of purchase was the Blood
of Jesus which was shed on Calvary’s tree. It was the highest that heaven could offer to
redeem man from the slavery of sin. Not only were we purchased, but we were also
purified. Once saved, we have the opportunity to constantly enjoy cleansing by the
word. What is the difference between salvation and sanctification? The former speaks of
getting us out of the world, while the latter gets the world out of us. The former happens
only once, but the latter happens gradually over the course of our life. We can only
attain a higher realm of sanctification, we cannot get to the end of it as long as we dwell
in our mortal bodies.
“Believers are called to be on active duty, providing light and flavour to the world around us.”
Finally, we come to the service part of our calling. Saving and sanctifying us is to get us
fit for service. There is a placement for every child of God. That placement is to get us
engaged in good works. We are not saved and purged to be onlookers. All we have to
add here is that our good works should not be seasonal or tied to emergency situations.
Jesus went about doing good; and so must we. Our everyday life is designed for good
works – in words and deeds. Believers are called to be on active duty, providing light
and flavour to the world around us.