Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification

Now again I would remind you that nothing is more important in a sense than that we should see the relationship of these different aspects of the truth one to another. I shall have to emphasize that point uh considerably this evening because in connection with the doctrine that we are now considering it is one of the most important points of all. [00:00:56]

Sanctification involves both a positional and an ethical dimension. Positionally, believers are set apart for God, a status that is both immediate and permanent. Ethically, sanctification is the process by which we are made holy, conforming more and more to the image of Christ. This involves a continuous operation of the Holy Spirit, delivering us from sin's power and enabling us to perform good works. [00:20:19]

The word used in the Old Testament, the authorities are not quite agreed about it. Some say that it means to shine, to shine like a bright light, a shining. Others say that it means to cut and to separate. Well, I'm very ready to put both together because I think the two aspects of the matter do come into this whole question of sanctification. [00:11:20]

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 it is that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit by which he delivers the justified sinner. [00:22:05]

The doctrine of sanctification has been debated for centuries, with significant contributions from figures like John Wesley. Understanding these historical perspectives can enrich our own understanding and practice of holiness, even as we critically evaluate different views. Despite differing perspectives, it is crucial to approach these discussions with a spirit of unity and a commitment to understanding the truth as revealed in Scripture. [00:06:07]

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 expound this next time but the big thing that differentiates this view from the others is this. [00:38:28]

The Christian is not committing willfully any known sin at any given moment. That's perfection at that moment. He is not guilty of committing any known sin willfully. John Wesley granted he may be committing sins that he's not aware of, but he very carefully, let's be fair to his teaching, he defines it as not being guilty willfully of any known sin at that moment. [00:28:44]

The perfectionist views say that sanctification is something that is to be received and that it can be received in a moment. Their teaching is you see that this is something that is done to us by God through the Holy Spirit and that all we have to do is to desire it and to believe that it's possible and to exercise faith to believe that if we ask God for it he will give it us. [00:31:22]

The second group likes to describe itself as the teaching which advocates or tells us that a man is sanctified not in that way that I've been describing but by means of what they call counteraction. This was the view that became popular in the 70s of the last century and is still popular at the present time and is of course the characteristic view that is taught by those who believe in the so-called kazic teaching. [00:32:39]

Sanctification is not a one-time event but a continuous process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer's life. It involves the Holy Spirit's ongoing work to purify us from sin and renew us in God's image. This process is only completed in glorification, highlighting the need for perseverance and reliance on the Spirit's power. [00:22:05]

The way to approach this whole problem it seems to me is something like this let's start again with definition what is what is sanctification what's it mean now you go through your Bible pick out the terms in the old test and in the new you'll find quite a number what do the terms mean I can summarize it very briefly in this way. [00:11:20]

It is always the business of the Christian the believer to study the scriptures about any doctrine and to arrive at what he regards as the most scriptural understanding of the truth. Now if you don't do that let me warn you what the consequences are likely to be if you say that it doesn't matter at all and that you can't be bother and that these things don't count. [00:08:17]