CONSECRATION
Introduction
The word “consecration” according to Webster Merriam Dictionary is an act of ceremonial sanctification or a state of being consecrated and the word “ Sanctification” is one of its synonyms.
Biblically, consecration means to be set apart, separated and made hallowed for holy use. It could also be described as the act of keeping oneself from unholy, unrighteous and unclean acts for the purpose of being used by God; the purpose of consecration is to make us holy and fit for God’s service.
At different occasions in the old testament, God demanded from His people -the Israelites, the Priests and Levites, that they should consecrate themselves before they could minister to Him (Please read Exodus 19: 1-6 … “and ye shall be a kingdom of Priests, and an holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites”). Furthermore, we also have instances in the bible where definite steps were taken by individual to stand out for God and refused to be defiled as the case was with Daniel in Daniel 1:8
In the same vein, in this dispensation of grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s standard has not changed and will never change for anyone who is a Christian /disciple and also enlisted to minister in His vineyard. Read 1 Peter 2:9 “believers” are called a “Royal Priesthood”. Considering the fact that every believer renders service to God one way or the other, it MUST come from a human vessel that has been consecrated/ sanctified.
Let me mention here that the word “consecration” and “sanctification” are used interchangeably in the Holy Scriptures to mean the same thing. In Leviticus 20: 7 God said to his people” Sanctify yourself therefore and be ye holy, for I am the LORD your God”.
In the light of the above, consecration can be both external and internal. In the Old Testament, there were emphasis on external sanctification through ceremonial cleaning and appearances for anyone who intends to enter into the presence of the LORD and especially for Priests and men who were used by God for one purpose or the other. The bible says that everything we read in the Old Testament is a shadow of things to come. For example, in Exodus chapter 28:3 God instructed Moses “And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garment to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office …”. They were also to be consecrated by the pouring of the anointing oil, eating of consecrated food and keeping of other laws Exodus 28:41 and 29:9, 29 & 33
However, in the new testament and dispensation of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is more of the internal or inner consecration which is of the heart, in other words, it starts from inside to outside. Our Lord Jesus Christ explained to his disciple “But the things that out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them “Matthew 15:18. Example of these things was mentioned in Galatians 2:20 & Ephesians 5:29…idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition etc.; unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, and slander…
Examples of instances where God demanded consecration
1) Samson and Samuel- Judges 13:2-5… And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her (Samson’s Mother), Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shall conceive, and bear a son, 4) now, therefore, beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; … and he (Samson) shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines
- Moses demanded that the Levites consecrate themselves as God instructed in Exodus 32:29. There is also a blessing attached to obedience to the instruction on consecration.
Consecration in the Dispensation of Grace through our Lord Jesus Christ
Read the following scriptures:
Matthew 15:11-18 “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man”…, (KJV)
Romans 13:14’ But clothe yourself with the lord Jesus Christ (The Messiah), and make no provisions for (indulging) the flesh (put a stop to thinking about the evil craving …)
Steps to Experience Genuine Consecration
- The new birth experience of being born again is the very first crucial step to enter into consecration because a new heart is given unto us at this point. Consecration would only be possible when a new heart that loves to please God is in place; otherwise, it would be through human effort devoid of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please read Ezekiel 36:26 “A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you…” Ezekiel 11:19 and John 3:16;
- Put to death the old man that has been crucified and purge yourselves from the works of the sinful nature to become a vessel fit for the Master’s useful vessels, Galatians 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:20;
- Separation from the world and its way of doing things, 2 Corinthians 6:17 “ wherefore come out from among them , and touch not the unclean thing , and I will receive you”;
- Renewal of our mind through consistent fellowship with the word of God, Romans 12-1-2, Ephesians 5:26, 1 John 1: 1-3;
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18, Acts 9:17: The more of we submit to the Holy Spirit, the more of Jesus we become.
- Obedience to God’s commandments is key to consecration by any human vessel God would use.
- Possess your body in holiness/ Exercise Self-Control” 1 Thessalonians 4:4
Consequences of rendering service without consecration
Whatever service is rendered unto God from a life that is not consistently consecrated or sanctified is unacceptable and making heaven is bleak. 2 Corinthians 6:17
Conclusion: Considering the above scriptures, whatever category you belong to in the mandate of this Mission (FeedingAllNations Through Jesus Christ); a widow, orphan and less privileged, friend of the Commission and Minister in His vineyard, the consecration of your life is not negotiable to go far with the GOD ALMIGHTY.
STAY BLESSED ALWAYS!!