Sanctification

2 Cor 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. (KJV)

Sadly, many Christians seem to live in the vicious cycle of Romans chapter 7.

Rom 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. (NKJ)

This is a picture of the struggle of sanctification without the power of the Holy Spirit. This is also not the ideal model of Christian living. Liberal theologians have taken this passage to be the normative expectation of life in Christ. This is simply a gross misapplication of scripture. While many true believers can certainly identify with the struggle described in Romans 7, it isn’t God’s desire for them. Romans 8, however, is indicative of God’s plan of redemption. It deals with the sin problem by the only legitimate means- the enabling help of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJ)

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (NKJ)

There are several views of sanctification, and I will briefly mention some of them. First is the “finished-work” view of sanctification. This view proposes that in the initial act of conversion/regeneration, that the believer has experienced every ounce of sanctification that he’s going to experience in this life. In a sense, God has done all He’s going to do about your sanctification according to this view. This view runs into practical problems pretty quickly though; because even those who preach the finished-work view of sanctification, are forced to urge Christians to press on to Christian maturity.

Yet another view of sanctification takes the approach that holiness is virtually impossible in this life, and thus the believer will never truly have victory over sin until death. This view then begs the question; by what then are we sanctified-by the death of Christ, or by our own death? I think Romans 6:2-7 teaches that our sanctification is tied with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who take (what I deem) the “never in this life” view of sanctification, teach a life far short of God’s standard of righteousness and holiness in this present world. God’s grace is not a license to sin, it is that which enables us to live godly in this present world- right now!

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (KJV)

There is also some considerable debate as to whether sanctification is instantaneous or progressive. I have highlighted the two extreme views of both these positions. While in a very real sense, when a person is born-again, they have been sanctified and radically separated from the world, there is still much to be done. Most of the letters in the New Testament are devoted to urging believers on to spiritual maturity and not remain as “babes in Christ”. The danger of the progressive view of sanctification is the extreme position I outlined earlier- viewing holiness as impossible this side of eternity. The hyper-progressive view of sanctification seems absurd when you take it to its logical conclusion. Should one stop murdering a little at a time? Only a few lies today, and maybe only one tomorrow? Of course this seems extreme, but it’s important to remember that our doctrines do have practical implications.

The overall theme of the New Testament is not one of defeat and despair. This is a truth that must be accepted to have a proper view of sanctification. Sadly, much of the teaching, and even many of the so-called Christian songs of the day seem to celebrate defeat rather than victory. We hear a lot about how incapable we are of living up to God’s standard and how God’s grace covers everything under the sun, but we hear precious few truths about God’s promise of victory over sin. Sometimes I wonder what real benefit people see in Christianity as it is presented in the post-modern era. Much of what I hear sounds no different than the psychology of secular world views (simply “try harder”, “be a good person”, “do your best”). At the end of the day, such theology leaves us not much better than we were before we were in Christ. Beloved, something is terribly wrong with this view!

Am I proposing that the believer is incapable of sinning or that he can reach some standard of perfection by which he will never succumb to temptation? God forbid! John says that if we claim we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (I John 1:8, 10). Paul warned the Corinthians about an overconfidence that would lead to a fall (I Cor 10:12-13). He cautioned the Galatian believers to restore fallen brothers in a “spirit of meekness” lest they also fall to temptation (Gal 6:1). Peter also warned about falling from our steadfast position in Christ (2 Peter 3:17). I present this material to you today humbly, and in the spirit of meekness, and with the full understanding that I have not arrived.

Having said that, I think it should be noted that one of John’s stated purposes for writing the epistle known as “First John” was so that believers would not sin:

I Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (KJV)

The challenge in discussing the topic of sanctification is multi-faceted. First we must define what the term “sanctification” really means. The word certainly has the power to conjure up different images in the minds of those who hear it. We must also try to determine the agency of sanctification (i.e. ‘what sanctifies us?”). Additionally, we must try to determine what are the practical implications of sanctification. Out of these three, perhaps the last one will prove most difficult, but it will be worth the effort to discover what the bible says.

First let’s try to define the word sanctification. In the NT, the Greek word associated with the term is “hagiasmos” . It carries with it the idea of separation, cleansing, consecration, purity, holiness. The word is also translated as “holiness” in English translations of the bible in several instances. Sanctification then, is a separation “from” something, and a separation “to” something (or someone). The Exodus experience for the children of Israel serves as a type or paradigm of God’s redemptive purposes. Remember that they were first separated “from” something (Egypt/Pharaoh). They were taken from Egypt. Then they wandered in the wilderness, during which time Egypt was being taken from them. However, God’s intention for them was to go into the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, it was not merely for them to escape Pharaoh and wander in the wilderness. So in a very real sense, they were separated from Egypt, and separated unto God- to be a peculiar people to declare his glory throughout the earth.

In John 17 we find what most theologians refer to as the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus Christ. There are several key truths about the sanctification of believers contained there. In verse 9 He identifies that He is praying for believers and not “the world”. In verse 11, He prays for the believers to be “one”, or in unity. He appeals to His unity with the Father as a model or basis for their unity with Him and with each other. One of the hallmarks of spiritual immaturity (Paul refers to it as carnality in I Corinthians) is divisiveness in the body of Christ. There are certainly some truths that will divide, and we should not be overly concerned about that. This is the way that heresy and truth are manifested. We cannot hold hands with those who deny the essential truths of the faith. But this type of unity Christ speaks of, is not an ecumenical unity or blending of all false religions, but rather a unity of those who believe the truth about Christ and God’s word.

In verse 13 (we’re still in John 17) Christ prays for His joy to be fulfilled in His disciples. One of the often neglected teachings regarding the doctrine of sanctification is that of joy. The book of Hebrews says that Jesus was able to endure the cross and the shame that went along with it because of the “joy that was set before Him” (Heb 12:2). That doesn’t mean that the cross experience was fun- far from it! But there was a deep abiding joy in the fact that He was fulfilling His Father’s purpose for Him coming to earth. So it is with us in sanctification. It is not always easy, but there is real joy in knowing that you are in the will of God. Consider these words of John:

I Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (NKJ)

Next, Jesus prays that the believers not be taken out of the world, but keep them from evil (John 17:15). This is the great paradox of sanctification. We are in the world, but we are not of the world. Perhaps one of the reasons our evangelistic efforts fail so miserably, is because there is no real difference between the church and the world. We are to be the light of the world, cities set on a hill, the salt of the earth, ambassadors for Christ. How effective can we possibly be if we do not embrace the biblical position of sanctification? Jesus answers this question for us:

Matt 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (NKJ)

Now let’s briefly discuss the agency of sanctification. Who or what sanctifies us? Are we left to our own devices; human effort and willpower? Thankfully the bible answers these questions for us. One final remark about Jesus’ prayer in John 17 will be our introductory comment about the agency of sanctification.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (KJV)

Just as the Word of God plays an integral part of our initial salvation (Romans 10:17, I Cor 1:21, I Peter 1:23), so it is with our sanctification. The Psalms echo this very theme as well:

Ps 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV)

Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (KJV)

(If Romans 8 is known as the Holy Spirit chapter, then Psalm 119 might be aptly named as the “Word of God” chapter).

This is not to imply that the more scripture a person memorizes, the more holy they will become. It is entirely possible to know facts about the bible, and yet still not know the Author. However we see that the key or crucial element in our sanctification is the Word of God. If we feed on a steady diet of the truth, and determine to “hide it in our hearts”, we have a far greater chance of success and victory over temptation and sin. In Ephesians we are told that Christ cleanses and sanctifies the church through “the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are sanctified by the Spirit and “belief of the truth” (II Thess 2:13b).

We are also sanctified by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Romans 6 says that we are “buried with Him” in baptism. We identify with the death, burial, and resurrection and it serves as a type of our life in Him. We die to sin, and live in newness of life, just as Christ came forth in the resurrection, never to die again! The book of Hebrews deals largely with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is declared as the great High Priest in Heaven who appears in the presence of God for us. He is manifestly declared to be the one who sanctifies us through His death (Hebrews 2:11 & Heb 10:10). In Hebrews 13, we see how the sufferings of Christ serve to sanctify His people.

Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (KJV)

And we are admonished as believers to go back to that place “without the camp”, so that we might identify with Him and participate in sanctification from the world, and unto God.

Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (KJV)

Finally, let’s consider the practical implications of sanctification. Sadly, we spend so much time debating the finer points of sanctification, and spend little time seeing it realized in our lives. There are many who champion and defend doctrines of sanctification, but don’t experience it in a real practical way. The church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-6) in the book of Revelation is a classic example of this. They were commended for having right doctrine- they were rebuked for leaving their first love! So the end goal of any study on sanctification should not merely be to win a debate on the topic, or claim theological perfection. The aim ought to be holy and righteous living in the world we live in right now! We must ever be in pursuit of holiness according to the Word of God.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (KJV)

We are not given the option of holiness or sanctification. We are given the command to be holy. There is no way I could do justice and exhaustively cover this topic in the space of this message. But let me briefly attempt to discuss practical holiness. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that abstaining from sexual immorality (the KJV uses the word “fornication” and it is a broad term including any and all types of ungodly sexual behavior) is a component of their sanctification before God (I Thessalonians 4:3-8). Peter reiterates the Old Testament command given by God to us which states “be ye holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:16).

Although so many want to place a huge division between practical holiness and positional holiness, the bible does not seek to separate them. Notice John’s words which clearly show that righteousness/holiness are tied to practical sanctification:

I Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. (NKJ)

This obviously is not popular because it takes us from the place of abstract to concrete. John says that righteous is as righteous does. Jesus also taught that true faith and repentance is evidenced by the practical righteousness of a person’s life:

Matt 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 "Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (NKJ)

Unfortunately, some will read or hear a message like this, and sink down in despair. “How on earth can I possibly live up to God’s standard of righteousness?” might be the question one would ask. Again, if we are faced with the dilemma of Romans chapter 7, where we attempt to overcome sin merely by human effort or discipline, we are doomed for failure. This is exactly what Paul meant when he said “”O wretched man that I am…” (Romans 7:24). Any pursuit of sanctification that begins and ends with human effort alone is doomed for failure. But one must remember that we are not alone, and we are not left without the graces and helps of God.

We have the High Priestly prayer of Jesus Christ. This perfect prayer was not prayed simply for the 11 faithful Apostles, but for all believers who would later come to faith in Christ (John 17:20). We have the Word of God, which is quick and powerful (Heb 4:12) and able to affect the actions of our flesh and spirit. We have the precious Holy Spirit who is a Comforter, Helper, and Teacher. We have the intercession of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:27, Hebrews 7:25 and 9:24). And we have a God who is faithful to His promises!

1Thes 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (NKJ)

There are several comments I would like to make about this passage of scripture. First notice that it is God who is at work in our lives. Next, I want you to see the all encompassing nature of sanctification. God wants us sanctified wholly, completely, through and through. Next, notice Paul’s concern that we be in right standing with God at the appearance of Jesus Christ (see also I John 2:28 through 3:3). Finally, Paul refers to the faithfulness of God in the process and experience of sanctification. God is faithful to His Covenant promises. He will certainly fulfill His word if we will simply act in faith and obedience.

Will all of this simply happen as we sit idly by and mentally and verbally accept this theological truth? As is usually the case, we must participate in the process of sanctification. Paul told the Corinthians believers that THEY were responsible for cleansing themselves of the filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Cor 7:1). James says that WE are to draw near unto God and He will draw near unto us (James 4:8). The writer of Hebrews declares that WE are to lay aside the sin and weight which so easily besets us (Hebrews 12:1). Paul calls us to “mortify” the ungodly deeds in our body (Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5) by the power of the Spirit. We are instructed to “put off” the old man and the deceitful lusts associated with him (Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:8-9).

In conclusion, let’s remember that God’s will for us is to be sanctified. His initial call to us for salvation anticipated our sanctification (Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). He will be faithful to complete the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). And as we stated earlier, our earnest prayer for sanctification should be approached with great confidence, because God Himself has promised to do it!

1Thes 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (KJV)

Truth Ablaze