God’s Grand Plan

Salvation and Sanctification 

God's Grand Plan is the redemption and the healing of humanity. Redemption is the personal experience of salvation, a defined moment in time and space when a confession of faith is made. On the other hand, healing is the lifelong experience of sanctification through which the believer sheds the old nature of self and, in the process, is endowed with the righteousness and holiness of Christ, leading to transformation in His image and ultimate glorification. 

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

The process of sanctification is the biblical understanding of healing and freedom from spiritual oppression. Salvation and redemption, sanctification, and healing are the premises on which EHAD with GOD therapeutic approach progresses throughout the healing process. It is a spiritual transaction in which personal free will, exercised in the physical realm, unfolds its powers to actuate spiritual matters in the spiritual realm. Salvation resurrects the dead human spirit. Sanctification stops and reverses the corruption of the soul, transforming it into a Christ-like character. Healing from trauma is a process through which the believer progresses through sanctification and, in the process, becomes EHAD with Jesus. As  Apostle Paul affirms, 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

The "new creation" may have the scars (like Jesus does) but not the pain. The Prophet Isaiah describes the spiritual transaction that happened on the cross: 

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

EHAD is the healing, and EHAD happens on the narrow road. Becoming EHAD with Jesus is the ultimate goal of this healing journey. As we keep moving on the narrow road, we shed off the old nature with its corrupt practices of the flesh, and we are mystically infused with Christ's divine nature. His righteousness becomes our righteousness; His wisdom, our wisdom; His joy, our joy, His peace, our peace. On the cross of Jesus, a splendid trade happens daily. As we lay down our old nature with its sinful practices and desires, Jesus Himself bestows on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We are called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-3).  

Growing in the image of Christ is sanctification. It is not an optional destination for the believer; it is a command to be perfect because our heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The call to be perfect is not unattainable. It is a call to sanctify our lives. And this effort lasts to the end. Like the Apostle Paul, we must run the race to get the crown (2 Timothy 4:7). 

Salvation and sanctification are two sides of the same coin. While salvation by faith in Christ is a determined point in time, sanctification through Christ is a lifelong walk with Him on the narrow road toward Eternity. Healing from the ruptures of a trauma is the process of sanctification. This therapeutic approach takes you on that transformative journey from pain to peace (שׁלום).

Prayer

Jesus, I desire your healing. Your sacrifice on the cross saved me, Your blood washed me pure. Now, sanctify me, Lord. Set me apart for Eternity with You. I stand at Your cross, and I exchange my filthy rags for Your beauty. I submit to Your molding. I long for Your presence. Slow me down, Lord. Feed me daily with every Word that comes from Your mouth. Sharpen my sight and quicken my mind. Give me a willing spirit. Grant me an undivided heart as I commit my mind, spirit, soul, and body to complete devotion to You. Cause me to absorb your teachings and make them my life-giving guide. I choose to become EHAD with you. Impart in me your peace (shalom), I pray. Amen!

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