Of Sanctification

Chapter 13 confesses that those who are united to Christ, effectually called and regenerated, are also further sanctified — really and personally — through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them. The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, the believer more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces.

Sanctification is the progressive work of God’s Spirit in the believer. It is real, not merely positional. It is gradual, not instantaneous. It is fought for, not coasted on.

The Reformed Baptist takes seriously the imperatives of Scripture — pursue holiness, mortify sin, walk in newness of life — while resting in the assurance that sanctification is finally God’s work, not the believer’s achievement.

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For the full text of this chapter with scripture proofs, see the1689confession.com or Founders Ministries.