This is clearly indicated as necessary to become the follower of Jesus by the words the Master used: 'If you will be my disciple, you must deny yourself, then take up your cross, and follow me'.

(Matthew 16:24) Self-denial means an agreement to abandon one's selfish course and to agree to do the will of the Lord.

It means a full and complete surrender of oneself unto the Lord.

And this is consecration, the setting aside of oneself to do the Lord's will.
[330]Those who are selected to be members of the body of Christ, which selection is done during the gospel age, must be justified in order that they might be accepted.

They are justified only for the purpose of being accepted as a part of the sacrifice of the Lord.