Chosen by the Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit

1 Peter 1:1-2
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

Yesterday we discussed being "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God." Today, let's look at the second statement which pertains to God's choosing us: "chosen...by the sanctifying work of the Spirit."

We are chosen by the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
How does the Spirit sanctify us? I don't fully know. I know "the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). I know "you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Romans 8:9). Somehow the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and His presence with us is a sign to God that we are His children! He makes us alive. He makes us righteous. He makes us holy (which is what sanctification is all about). This is God's METHOD of choosing - through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless and sanctify you today,
Nathan