Article 24 speaks of sanctification and good works. It points out that God regenerates by the hearing of the Word of God and the operation of the Holy Ghost. This is regeneration in the wider sense, that is, it speaks of the seed of Christ’s life as it begins to show itself in confession and walk. In the narrow sense, regeneration is the planting of the seed of Christ’s life in our hearts by the Spirit and below our consciousness.
The result of regeneration in the wider sense is sanctification (to make holy). One mortifies the deeds of the flesh and the new man is quickened-the two parts of sanctification.
Sanctification is the removal of the pollution of sin (justification is the removal of the guilt of sin). Sanctification is a process which continues as long as we are on the earth. It is completed at our death.
Good works are the fruits of sanctification. Where one is justified, sanctification and good works must follow. Good works must meet that three-fold standard: 1) according to the law of God, 2) out of true faith, and 3) to God’s glory.
We would disagree with the antinomians who claim that we need not obey the law since Christ has already fulfilled it.
QUESTIONS:
1. Does sanctification have to do with original guilt or original pollution? Explain.
2. What is regeneration in its narrow sense?
3. Which is first: regeneration or faith? Explain.
4. Read Romans 6:
a. What objection is Paul answering in verse 1?
b. How does Paul answer that objection?
c. Explain how sin no longer reigns over us (see verses 17, 22).
5. Why did the Antinomians teach what they did? Is there any danger of antinomianism within ourselves?
6. What are good works? Can you find passages to show that the three-fold standard of good works is Scriptural?
7. What did the Christian Reformed Church teach about the “good works” of the reprobate?
8. Is there any reward for doing good works?