Sanctification

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) Explanation and Scriptural Basis > Chapter 38: Sanctification (Growth in Likeness to Christ)

sanctification is a progressive work of God and believers that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.

Simple Definition: Being made holy (set apart)

Regeneration

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 1. Sanctification Has a Definite Beginning at Regeneration

This initial step in sanctification involves a definite break from the ruling power and love of sin, so that the believer is no longer ruled or dominated by sin and no longer loves to sin.

1 Corinthians 6:11 LSB

11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

What changes immediately upon becoming a Christian

Relationship to sin

Drinking excessively

Unforgiveness towards family members

An immoral job

Illumination

The ability to understand, value, and apply the Bible

Reception of the Gospel

The heart is softened towards the message of the cross, grace, inability of humankind, and faith.

This Life

The New Testament is absolutely full of commands to pursue sanctification, with the majority of letters being written to the church

Generally speaking imperatives to live a life for God are often found near the end of letters. The common format is truth first application second.

These commands are all encompassing and reach to every part of life, since God requires both internal and external obedience

The New Testament writes to churches in primarily incredible secular cities and cultures

The churches were made of people who had almost no parent example of godliness and a culture of gross sin.

In the Roman Empire, the culture was that of immorality, that of violence, that of pleasure, that of selfish deception. Adultery was considered normal for a marriage in this culture. Following your passions was considered natural. Additionally, these were people that enjoyed violence, as famously shown by the gladiators or their warfare. Additionally, the Christians in this culture were primarily first generation. This was all they had ever previously known. I’m sure you have noticed that in America today, we are taught that our character is the fault of our parents. You hear: “I struggle with anger because of my dad. I struggle with insecurity because of my mom. I struggle with faithfulness because by dad was not faithful.” Imagine the Christians of the Bible who came from generations of perversion, idolatry, and abuse. Listen to how the New Testament speaks to these young believers.

1 Peter 1:15 LSB

15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your conduct;

This draws from the theme and command of the Old Testament to be holy or set apart

The command here for Christians is to look different

How different, how Holy should we be?

Like the Holy One

All your conduct

Could you imagine a more radical command to New Testament Christians? Could you imagine a more life changing, all encompassing call?

Romans 6:12–13 LSB

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

This statement explains that as a believer you cannot continue in the sin of letting sin be in charge of your life. You cannot continue to let the selfish wants have any sort of say in your life anymore. Whether it be a desire for sinful pleasure, praise, or comfort, it has to go.

Paul continues in verse 13 speaking of presenting your members. This is speaking of parts of your body. Very interesting way of talking about sanctification. He is saying do your hands, your actions, your mouth, your eyes, your mind, does all of you present yourself to the Lord. Is all of you being used by God for that which is right. This is what this verse is saying.

In a wicked culture, Christians with all the excuses in the world were called to radical change. If there is a sinful

Romans 6

At Death

Revelation 21:27 LSB

27 And nothing defiled, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The resurrection

Philippians 3:21 LSB

21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.

Addressing Christian Perfection

Practical Call to Sanctiifcation