 |
||
|
Sanctification 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. 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. 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.
|