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Sanctification 1.
THOSE who are united to Christ, effectually called, and
regenerated, have a new heart and a new spirit created in them; and by His
Word and Spirit dwelling within them, this personal work of sanctification
is indeed carried further. All
these blessings accrue to them by reason of the merits of Christ's death
and resurrection. Sin's
mastery over them is completely broken; the evil desires to which it gives
birth are increasingly weakened and dealt their death-blow; and saving
graces in them are increasingly enlivened and strengthened. The practice
of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, is thus
promoted. 2.
Sanctification, as defined in this way, extends to every part of
man, yet remains incomplete in this life. Sin's corrupt remnants continue to defile all parts of man,
causing within him a continual warfare that does not admit of
reconciliation; the flesh rises up against the Spirit and the Spirit
against the flesh. 3.
In the war of flesh versus Spirit, sin's corrupt remnants may for a
time gain the upper hand, yet the continual supply of strength from the
sanctifying Spirit of Christ enables man as a new creature to gain the
victory. And so the saints
grow in grace, moving on towards a fullness of holiness in the fear of
God. They earnestly endeavor to live according to heaven's laws, and to
render gospel obedience to all the commands which Christ, as their head
and king, has laid down for them in His Word. [Previous Chapter] [Next Chapter]
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