Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine of sanctification, we delve into the intricate work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Sanctification is a vital aspect of the Christian journey, representing the process by which believers are set apart for God and transformed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is not merely a positional change but involves an inward renewal, a purification that aligns us more closely with the image of Jesus. The doctrine of sanctification has been a subject of considerable debate, particularly over the last two centuries, with various interpretations and teachings emerging from figures like John Wesley and movements such as the Salvation Army and the Keswick Convention.

Sanctification can be understood in two primary senses: the positional aspect, where believers are set apart for God's service, and the ethical aspect, which involves an ongoing process of being made holy. This process is not instantaneous but begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer's life, culminating in perfection only after death and resurrection. Different schools of thought have emerged, including perfectionist views that suggest a form of perfection can be achieved in this life, and the counteraction view, which emphasizes abiding in Christ to overcome sin.

The perfectionist view, as taught by John Wesley, suggests that believers can achieve a state of perfect love or live without willfully committing known sins. In contrast, the counteraction view, popularized by the Keswick movement, teaches that while sin remains, believers can live victoriously by relying on Christ's power to counteract sin's influence. However, the view I advocate emphasizes sanctification as a continuous process that begins at regeneration and progresses throughout life, only reaching completion in the glorification of our bodies.

As we study these doctrines, it is crucial to approach them with humility and a desire for truth, recognizing that our understanding of sanctification should be rooted in Scripture. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to grow in holiness and reflect the character of Christ more fully.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sanctification as a Dual Process: Sanctification involves both a positional and ethical transformation. Positionally, believers are set apart for God, while ethically, they undergo a continuous process of being made holy, reflecting the image of Christ. This dual aspect highlights the comprehensive nature of sanctification. [12:48]

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctification, delivering believers from the pollution of sin and renewing their nature. This ongoing work enables believers to perform good works and grow in righteousness, emphasizing the Spirit's transformative power. [22:02]

3. Perfectionist Views and Their Limitations: Perfectionist views, such as those proposed by John Wesley, suggest that believers can achieve a form of perfection in this life. However, these views often focus on momentary states rather than a lifelong process, highlighting the need for a balanced understanding of sanctification. [26:23]

4. Counteraction and Abiding in Christ: The counteraction view emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ to overcome sin. By relying on Christ's power, believers can experience victory over sin, though this requires continuous faith and dependence on Him. [33:03]

5. Sanctification as a Lifelong Journey: Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer's life, only reaching completion in glorification. This perspective underscores the progressive nature of sanctification, encouraging believers to persevere in their spiritual growth. [38:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Early Recording
- [00:42] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
- [01:17] - Doctrine of Sanctification
- [02:33] - Regeneration and Justification
- [03:48] - The Problem of Sin
- [04:24] - Historical Controversies
- [06:22] - John Wesley's Influence
- [08:17] - The Importance of Doctrine
- [11:16] - Definition of Sanctification
- [14:42] - Sanctification in Scripture
- [20:17] - Positional and Ethical Sanctification
- [25:52] - The Process of Sanctification
- [26:23] - Perfectionist Views
- [33:03] - Counteraction View
- [38:28] - Progressive Sanctification
- [42:27] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of Sanctification

Bible Reading:
1. John 17:19 - "For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."
2. Romans 8:2 - "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
3. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the two primary aspects of sanctification discussed in the sermon, and how do they differ? [12:48]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification? [22:02]

3. What are the key differences between the perfectionist view and the counteraction view of sanctification as presented in the sermon? [26:23]

4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate completion point of sanctification for believers? [38:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "set apart for God" in John 17:19 relate to the believer's daily life and actions? [15:30]

2. In what ways does Romans 8:2 illustrate the principle of counteraction in overcoming sin, as discussed in the sermon? [33:03]

3. How does the sermon suggest believers should approach differing views on sanctification, and what attitude should they maintain? [41:35]

4. What does 1 Corinthians 6:11 reveal about the relationship between sanctification and justification, and how does this impact a believer's understanding of their spiritual journey? [17:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the dual aspects of sanctification. How can you actively participate in both the positional and ethical transformation in your own life? [12:48]

2. The sermon emphasizes the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's transformative power in your daily routine? [22:02]

3. Considering the limitations of perfectionist views, how can you maintain a balanced understanding of sanctification that encourages growth without unrealistic expectations? [26:23]

4. The counteraction view highlights the importance of abiding in Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are consistently relying on Christ's power to overcome sin? [33:03]

5. Sanctification is described as a lifelong journey. How can you persevere in your spiritual growth, especially during challenging times? [38:28]

6. How can you foster a spirit of humility and a desire for truth when studying doctrines like sanctification, especially when encountering differing opinions? [41:35]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel the need for inward renewal. What specific actions can you take this week to align more closely with the image of Christ? [20:51]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Nature of Sanctification
Sanctification is a multifaceted process that involves both a positional and ethical transformation. Positionally, believers are set apart for God's service, marking a definitive change in their spiritual status. Ethically, sanctification is an ongoing journey where believers are progressively made holy, reflecting the image of Christ more fully in their lives. This dual aspect underscores the comprehensive nature of sanctification, highlighting that it is not just about being set apart but also about being transformed in character and conduct. Understanding this dual nature helps believers appreciate the depth and breadth of sanctification, encouraging them to actively participate in this divine process. [12:48]

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in both the positional and ethical aspects of sanctification in your daily life?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the sanctification process, working within believers to deliver them from the pollution of sin and renew their nature. This ongoing work of the Spirit enables believers to perform good works and grow in righteousness, emphasizing the Spirit's transformative power. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, believers can experience a profound change in their character and actions, aligning more closely with the image of Christ. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey that requires believers to remain open and responsive to the Spirit's leading. [22:02]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen to and be guided by the Holy Spirit's transformative work in your life?


Day 3: Understanding the Limitations of Perfectionist Views
Perfectionist views, such as those proposed by John Wesley, suggest that believers can achieve a form of perfection in this life. However, these views often focus on momentary states rather than a lifelong process, which can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of sanctification. It is important to recognize that while believers are called to strive for holiness, the journey of sanctification is ongoing and will only be completed in glorification. A balanced understanding of sanctification acknowledges both the call to holiness and the reality of human imperfection, encouraging believers to persevere in their spiritual growth. [26:23]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you might be striving for perfection rather than embracing the ongoing process of growth and transformation?


Day 4: Abiding in Christ for Victory Over Sin
The counteraction view emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ to overcome sin. By relying on Christ's power, believers can experience victory over sin, though this requires continuous faith and dependence on Him. Abiding in Christ involves maintaining a close, personal relationship with Him, allowing His presence and power to influence every aspect of life. This relationship is not passive but requires active engagement, such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to His commands. Through this abiding relationship, believers can experience the strength and grace needed to overcome the challenges of sin. [33:03]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and rely on His power to overcome sin?


Day 5: Embracing Sanctification as a Lifelong Journey
Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer's life, only reaching completion in glorification. This perspective underscores the progressive nature of sanctification, encouraging believers to persevere in their spiritual growth. Understanding sanctification as a lifelong journey helps believers remain patient and hopeful, knowing that God is continually at work in their lives. It also reminds them that spiritual growth is not about achieving perfection in this life but about faithfully following Christ and allowing His Spirit to transform them over time. [38:28]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a mindset of perseverance and patience in your spiritual journey, trusting that God is at work in you for the long haul?

Quotes


Now you will find that the term to sanctify is very frequently used in that sense about Believers. Let me give you some examples. The Apostle Paul has given his Great Commission by the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus. You will find the account of it in Acts 26, especially Verse 18. [00:16:07]

The first is to set apart for God and for his service. Now that's a great meaning which attaches to this word representing sanctification in both the Old Testament and in the new. And it's very interesting to observe that it's used not only with respect to men but even with respect to objects. [00:12:54]

Sanctification is a process which starts from the very moment of our regeneration and which continues progressively throughout our lives and which will only be perfect and complete beyond death and the grave. You notice the difference. I take it I'm going to expose this next time. [00:38:28]

Sanctification there means this: that they were taken out of the world, out of Corinthian sinful Society, taken out of that and set apart for God, washed and Sanctified. They become the people of God. They set apart for him and for his service. [00:17:44]

Sanctification is that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit by which he delivers the Justified sinner from the pollution of sin, renews his whole nature in the image of God, and enables him to perform good works. Let me repeat that. [00:21:58]

The perfectionist views that in some shape or form teach the possibility of some kind or another of perfection in this world. Now, I don't apologize for that sort of language because I'm being strictly accurate because the moment you begin to study these people you find that they've got different ideas. [00:26:23]

The counteraction view emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ to overcome sin. By relying on Christ's power, believers can experience victory over sin, though this requires continuous faith and dependence on Him. [00:33:03]

Sanctification involves both a positional and ethical transformation. Positionally, believers are set apart for God, while ethically, they undergo a continuous process of being made holy, reflecting the image of Christ. This dual aspect highlights the comprehensive nature of sanctification. [00:12:48]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctification, delivering believers from the pollution of sin and renewing their nature. This ongoing work enables believers to perform good works and grow in righteousness, emphasizing the Spirit's transformative power. [00:22:02]

Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer's life, only reaching completion in glorification. This perspective underscores the progressive nature of sanctification, encouraging believers to persevere in their spiritual growth. [00:38:28]

Perfectionist views, such as those proposed by John Wesley, suggest that believers can achieve a form of perfection in this life. However, these views often focus on momentary states rather than a lifelong process, highlighting the need for a balanced understanding of sanctification. [00:26:23]

The doctrine of sanctification has been a subject of considerable debate, particularly over the last two centuries, with various interpretations and teachings emerging from figures like John Wesley and movements such as the Salvation Army and the Keswick Convention. [00:04:24]

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Transcript
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