Eastside Evangelical Fellowship

Study on the Westminster Confession of Faith – Winter 2002

Chapter XIII with Scripture Proofs and Comments

Of Sanctification

1. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, (1 Cor. 6:11, Acts 20:32, Phil. 3:10, Rom. 6:5–6) by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them, (John 17:17, Eph. 5:26, 2 Thess. 2:13) the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, (Rom. 6:6,14) and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; (Gal. 5:24, Rom. 8:13) and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, (Col. 1:11, Eph. 3:16–19) to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (2 Cor. 7:1, Heb. 12:14)

Comments –

a) Regeneration, in one sense, is the beginning of practical sanctification. It is all of grace, and the new heart, new spirit, dwelling in the new believer is this grace implanted by which God continues His process of sanctifying those who are in Christ.

b) There is a real, practical and gradual process, both inwardly – a purification of the heart and mind while mortifying the lusts of the flesh, and outwardly – practical holy actions which proceed from the new heart.

c) The means by which God effects this sanctification, inwardly, is faith, a gift of God (Gal 3:1-4). The outward means consists of the Word of God preached and read (John 17:17, 1 Pet 1:22), the sacraments (1 Cor 12:13, 10:16), prayer (John 14:13-14), and the gracious discipline of God’s providence (John 15:2, Rom 5:3). It is worth asking yourself – are you availing your soul to these graces by faith?

d) The result (more on that in section three) is true holiness lived out in the sight of God. If this is not lived out, there is not saving faith.

2. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; (1 Thess. 5:23) yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part; (1 John 1:10, Rom. 7:18,23, Phil. 3:12) whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. (Gal. 5:17, 1 Pet. 2:11)

Comments –

a) Sanctification affects every part of a man’s life, just as depravity had affected all parts.

b) But the sanctifying process in this life is never complete in any part, so that there is an area of life where we are now ‘perfect’. There is always a striving for holiness in this life.

c) Because of this, there is always war between the flesh and the spirit. Always.

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; (Rom. 7:23) yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; (Rom. 6:14, 1 John 5:4, Eph. 4:15–16) and so, the saints grow in grace, (2 Pet. 3:18, 2 Cor. 3:18) perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Cor. 7:1)

Comments –

a) The work of sanctification is a real war (1 Pet 2:11), and there may be times where true saints may appear to have no grace. This backslidden state may continue for a time, but the promise is that the work of the Spirit will overcome the fleshly aspect of the man.

b) Justification is an act of God’s free grace. It is a relative change of state, a judicial declaration once and for all. Sanctification is also the work of God’s free grace, but it is an ongoing work, not simply a once-for-all act, affecting a real change in the whole man, soul and body.

c) Sanctification and justification are often confused. It is because of your sure justification that you may stand sure that your sanctification will be completed (Phil 1:6), and that, by faith, you may experience true growth in practical holiness in this life.