Sanctification: Reformed View Flashcards
Reformed view of Sanctification
The state of holiness begins with regeneration and conversion, and is to grow throughout the believer’s life through the ministry of the Word and Spirit and through personal faith and obedience. In this understanding, the old sin nature is progressively subdued, but never entirely abolished in this life. In justification, sin is pardoned; in sanctification it is subdued. Sanctification “…is neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing up to perfection” (West. Larger Catechism, q.77).
Lk 9:23 (+argument)
And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’
Argument: Death to sin and self is to be the daily experience of the believer.
Php 3:12 (+note)
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.
Note: “this” refers to the power of Christ’s resurrection, and the fellowship with Christ in his suffering and death and the final resurrection mentioned in vv. 10-11. The apostle Paul did not consider that he had already been perfected (ἤδη τετελείωμα) in these things.
1 Jn 1:8-9 (+note)
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Note: John writes to those who have made some Christian profession, who have made some “claim to have fellowship with him” (v.6), yet who may be living inconsistently with that profession.
List of verses supporting Reformed view of Sanctification
Verses supporting Reformed view of Sanctification:
- Lk 9:23
- Php 3:12
- 1 Jn 1:8-9
- Mt 6:12
Mt 6:12 (+note)
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Note: believers still stand in need of forgiveness.
