Of Sanctification
I. They, who are once effectually called, and
regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified,
really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection,a
by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them:b the dominion of the whole body of sin
is destroyed,c and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and
mortified;d and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving
graces,e to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord.f
a. I Cor. 6:11; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6.
b. John 17:17; Eph. 5:26; II Thess. 2:13.
c. Rom. 6:6, 14.
d. Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13.
e. Col. 1:11; Eph. 3:16-19.
f. II Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14.
II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man;a
yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part;b
whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh.c
a. I Thess. 5:23.
b. I John 1:10; Rom. 7:18, 23; Phil. 3:12.
c. Gal. 5:17; I Pet. 2:11.
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption,
for a time, may much prevail;a yet, through the continual supply of strength
from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome;b and
so, the saints grow in grace,c perfecting holiness in the fear of God.d
a. Rom. 7:23.
b. Rom. 6:14; I John 5:4; Eph. 4:15-16.
c. II Pet. 3:18; II Cor. 3:18.
d. II Cor. 7:1.
|
