The Doctrine of Salvation : Sanctification Part 5 The Timing of Sanctification.

Notes from Myer Pearlman Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible p.252-253

Sanctification is both a) Positional and Instantaneous and b) Practical and Progressive.

1. Positional and Instantaneous.

Some teach a “second Definite work “ of sanctification but this also in anti-Scriptural because it teaches that you can be saved without being sanctified. This is contrary to the New Testament where the Apostles addresses all believers as “saints” literally SANCTIFIED ONES.

1Co 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1Co 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.

Yet the same letter was written to correct those Christians becaue of their carnality and even open sin. 1 Cor :3:1; 5:1; 2;7;8; They were “saints and sanctified in Christ Jesus” but sme of them were far from being such in their daily conduct. They were not living in manner worthy of their calling to be sanctified one.

Thus there is a sense in the NT, then where sanctification is simultaneous

with being saved or Justified.

b) Practical and Progressive.

The Initial setting apart is just the beginning of a progressive life of Sanctification. All true Christians are separated to God in Jesus Christ; from this springs the responsibility to live for God. This is a daily separation unto God where the believer is seeking to be more and more conformed to the Image of Christ.

“ Sanctification is a work of the Free Grace whereby we are renewed in whole man after the Image of God. We are enabled to die daily to sin and to live unto righteousness.”

This does not mean that we grow into sanctification but that we progress in sanctification.

It was a work done once and for all. Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

2Co 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

So Sanctification is both Positional and Progressive.