How is sanctification understood in Reformed theology?

dms1972

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Feb 26, 2013
5,086
1,305
✟596,524.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
I was reading Oswald Chambers who I think is more Wesleyan in theology and he talks about a "first sovereign work of grace" [regeneration] and a "second mighty work of grace" - sanctification - "in santification", writes Chambers "the regenerated soul deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself with God's interest in other men"

Also how are these regeneration, and sanctification related to justification?

Thanks.
 

BBAS 64

Contributor
Site Supporter
Aug 21, 2003
9,865
1,714
59
New England
✟512,371.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Good Day, DMS

In a nut shell justification is something said about you and sanctification is done to you.

The 1689 London Baptist confession:

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification
1._____ They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther 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 several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )
2._____This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
( 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 7:18, 23; Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11 )

3._____ In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them.
( Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1 )

In Him,

Bill
 
Upvote 0

JM

Augsburg Catholic
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2004
17,361
3,628
Canada
✟748,024.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Married
Politics
CA-Others
I was reading Oswald Chambers who I think is more Wesleyan in theology and he talks about a "first sovereign work of grace" [regeneration] and a "second mighty work of grace" - sanctification - "in santification", writes Chambers "the regenerated soul deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself with God's interest in other men"

Also how are these regeneration, and sanctification related to justification?

Thanks.

Regeneration is the coin, justification is one side and sanctification is the obverse. Regeneration allows us to believe, justification is the work of Christ applied to the sinner, sanctification is the outworking of the Spirit in the life of a believer.

Yours in the Lord,

jm
 
Upvote 0

The Righterzpen

Jesus is my Shield in any Desert or Storm
Feb 9, 2019
3,389
1,342
53
Western NY
Visit site
✟144,607.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Widowed
Politics
US-Others
I was reading Oswald Chambers who I think is more Wesleyan in theology and he talks about a "first sovereign work of grace" [regeneration] and a "second mighty work of grace" - sanctification - "in santification", writes Chambers "the regenerated soul deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself with God's interest in other men"

Yes, Wesleyan explanations were intended to be as easily understood theological answers to the layman. Wesleyan ideas were also very practically presented too. They were a "this is where the rubber should meet the road" type of theology.

Also how are these regeneration, and sanctification related to justification?

Regeneration and sanctification are related to justification because without justification; none of the other two happen. Someone can only be regenerated and sanctified because Christ atoned for their sin.
 
Upvote 0