I. The work of sanctification (the word means: to make holy):
A. As such.
1. It includes two elements:
a. The mortification of the old man.
1) Principally, the old man was crucified with Christ.
2) And more and more the Christian flees from all sin.
b. The quickening of the new man.
1) Principally we are raised again in Christ.
2) More and more we then seek those things which are spiritual.
2. Sanctification involves a change in one’s spiritual condition.
a. In justification our state before God’s law changes.
b. In sanctification, our condition is changed.
1) We are led in walk of holiness.
2) Our lives reflect a conformity to the law of God. We are not only DECLARED to be righteous, but we ARE righteous in walk.
3. Sanctification is a process which is completed finally at death.
a. Justification is a single, once-for-all, act.
b. But one is led in holiness throughout his life.
B. The importance of this truth:
1. Negatively:
a. It is opposed to the idea of perfectionism.
1) This view maintains that the Christian can attain to perfection on this earth.
2) But such view can only be based on a distorted idea of God’s law.
b. It is opposed to the idea of anti-nomians.
1) These maintained that Christ fulfilled the law–hence, we need not observe it.
2) Thus opened the way for gross wickedness by the Christian.
2. Positively:
a. The truth of sanctification emphasizes the continuing work of the Spirit upon the child of God.
1) God does not merely provide for the removal of the guilt of sin.
2) But He directs in all holiness and truth.
b. It suggests a proper emphasis upon good works.
1) In every sincere child of God there is a desire and longing to obey God.
2) All this: as a fruit of God’s work in us.
II. The means unto sanctification:
A. Sanctification follows out of justifying faith.
1. Faith is not dead–that is, belief without works.
2. But justifying faith becomes the very basis of a holy walk.
B. This is through the Word and Spirit.
1. The Word of God directs in a walk of righteousness.
2. The Spirit of Christ applies this and directs us in righteousness.
III. Evidence of sanctification:
A. Good works:
1. These are performed only by the regenerate.
a. Without faith, the works of man are only “out of self-love or fear of damnation.”
b. Only a holy, living faith is fruitful.
2. The article points out concerning good works:
a. Performed by or out of justifying faith only.
b. That they do not merit before God.
c. If salvation were based on works, man must always live then in doubt.
d. There is a reward of grace upon works.
e. True faith desires to perform good works.
B. Benefit of good works:
1. They, then, are not unto salvation.
2. But these assure the Christian that he indeed possesses the life of Christ.
Worksheet
A. Supplementary reading:
1. Scripture: Romans 6; Ephesians 4; I John; Romans 8.
2. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 24; 32; 33.
3. Canons, Head III-IV-16.
4. Westminster Catechism, questions 75-80.
B. Questions for consideration:
1. Does not I John 3:9 prove that there is perfection possible for Christians on the earth?
2. How must one oppose “perfectionism”? Can passages of Scripture be quoted?
3. What dangers are inherent in the view of perfectionism?
4. If Christ fulfilled the law, why does not the view of the antinomian follow?
5. Where in Scripture are we taught that it is impossible to sin that grace abounds?
6. What is the idea of the word “regeneration” in this article?
7. What is the idea of being an “unprofitable servant” even though one performed all good works without sin?
8. What is the view of the Roman Catholic Church on good works?