In the Bible, we find numerous references to the sanctification of objects and food. It is a concept deeply rooted in God’s desire for His people to live holy lives and set themselves apart for His purposes. In this article, we will explore the biblical significance of the sanctification of what we touch and eat, and how it reflects our commitment to live in obedience to God.
- The Sanctification of Objects: In the Old Testament, we see instances where God commanded the Israelites to consecrate and sanctify certain objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-11) and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:9-11). By setting these objects apart, God communicated His presence and holiness among His people. This sanctification served as a reminder of the sacredness of their relationship with God and the need for reverence and obedience.
As believers today, while we may not have physical objects of worship like the Israelites did, the principle of sanctification still applies. We are called to consecrate our possessions, dedicating them for God’s purposes. This means that we recognize that everything we own belongs to God, and we steward them with integrity and gratitude. By sanctifying our possessions, we acknowledge that they are tools to be used for God’s glory and for the advancement of His kingdom.
- The Sanctification of Food: In the Old Testament, God provided specific dietary laws to the Israelites (Leviticus 11) as a means of separating them from the practices of the surrounding nations. These laws classified certain foods as clean and others as unclean, and they were meant to foster holiness and obedience among God’s chosen people.
In the New Testament, we see a shift in dietary regulations. Jesus declared that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them but what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:14-23). This signifies a deeper spiritual truth—that true sanctification is a matter of the heart, not external rituals or dietary restrictions.
As believers under the new covenant, we are no longer bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament. However, the principle of sanctification still applies to what we consume. While all food is permissible for us (1 Corinthians 10:23), we are called to exercise self-control and discernment in our choices. We are to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and refrain from indulging in things that would defile us morally, spiritually, or harm our physical well-being.
Conclusion: The concept of sanctification, whether applied to objects or food, is rooted in the call for God’s people to live holy lives. As believers, we are called to set ourselves apart for God’s purposes, recognizing His ownership over everything we possess. We sanctify our objects and possessions by using them responsibly and with gratitude, acknowledging that they are tools to be used for God’s glory.
Similarly, in our dietary choices, we exercise self-control and discernment, avoiding anything that would defile us morally or spiritually. We honor God by nourishing our bodies in a way that promotes health and vitality, recognizing that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Let us strive to live lives of sanctification, consecrating all that we touch and consume for the glory of God. In doing so, we reflect our commitment to walk in obedience and holiness, becoming vessels through which God’s love and grace can flow to the world around us.
