Exodus 13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

Exodus 19:10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

Exodus 19:22-23 And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them. And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.

Here we see men being asked to make an effort to sanctify themselves. The first is to dedicate yourselves to God throughout the generations. Give your children to the Lord and treat them as the Lord’s. How else will generational blessings be established if we do not pass them down to our children?

Secondly is this issue of appearance. Any particular way of life which is established as walking with God and obeying His commands must be attractive to those outside the camp. This includes how we treat one another. No one will ever want to join a group if all they see is backbiting and mistrust.

The third is boundaries. Respect of boundaries is essential in relationships. God will allow you to come only so far and those who serve the Lord must also establish boundaries and guard them. Boundaries prevent abuse. The Lord does not want His children abused in any way, for any reason.

At the core of man’s sanctification is a dedication to an attitude of respect in holding the things of the Lord as sacred and separate, not to profane nor contaminate.

We are not perfect in performance, we still have sin in our lives. That is why we need His mercy and forgiveness. Those are our next two words to examine.

Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Much can be learned in the issues of first use. Here God has sanctified the seventh day, the Sabbath. It is to be noted that God alone did this, man had not been created at this point. It is a blessing and a declaration based on God’s character and will. In this lesson of God sanctifies we shall look at things from a standpoint of character and will regardless of man’s actions, awareness or obedience of faith.

Sanctified is a thing or person whom God has declared sacred and set apart.

Exodus 29:44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest’s office.

Leviticus 20:8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

There is purpose behind God’s declaration.

Leviticus 21:15 Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Lord do sanctify him.

Leviticus 21:23 Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the Lord do sanctify them.

God prescribes acceptable behavior towards that which He sanctifies. Respect is expected.