Sanctification is not a Process

[ChristisGod]

Many have been taught that sanctification is a process. But this is a smokescreen. No one gets holier with time. Maybe just holier than thou.

The Catholics also have a smokescreen. They call it "purgatory". But it's the same scheme....only with a different approach

What is the scheme? It is a reference to a denial that we can walk with God in holiness in THIS life...by grace through faith. That is our salvation. To walk with God as Jesus walked. No one does that gradually...it's not by works. It is a gift given to all who surrender themselves fully to God.

There are two paths we can follow...according to the ways of God. These are the ancient paths to walk in.

The way of righteousness. This way is the way of humility, honesty, brokenness and the fear of the Lord. This is the low road

The way of holiness in Christ: This is the narrow way that very few will find. This is the way of resurrection life...to walk as Jesus walked. This is the high road

Now, most believers walk in neither the low road nor the high road...(neither hot nor cold) instead they try to raise themselves up through a religious process...exemplified by Babylon.

The way up is actually down. Only God translates people into the higher walk. No one attains it over time.

We are to receive with MEEKNESS the implanted word. But that's not what happens, in most cases. In most cases a person who begins well gets seduced into placing themselves in a much higher place than they ought to. Let no one esteem himself higher than he should.

All religious efforts end the same way.

Wrong your ideas contradict the clear teaching of the Bible that there is a past, present and future aspect to our sanctification.

The word translated “sanctification” in most Bibles means “separation.” It is used in the New Testament, according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, of the separation of the believer from evil, and it is the result of obedience to the Word of God. Progressive sanctification is what gradually separates the people of God from the world and makes them more and more like Jesus Christ.

Sanctification differs from justification in several ways. Justification is a one-time work of God, resulting in a declaration of “not guilty” before Him because of the work of Christ on the cross. Sanctification is a process, beginning with justification and continuing throughout life. Justification is the starting point of the line that represents one’s Christian life; sanctification is the line itself.

Sanctification is a three-stage process – past, present, and future. The first stage occurs at the beginning of our Christian lives. It is an initial moral change, a break from the power and love of sin. It is the point at which believers can count themselves “dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11). Once sanctification has begun, we are no longer under sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14). There is a reorientation of desires, and we develop a love of righteousness. Paul calls it “slavery to righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).

The second stage of sanctification requires a lifetime to complete. As we grow in grace, we are gradually – but steadily – changing to be more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). This occurs in a process of daily spiritual renewal (Colossians 3:10). The apostle Paul himself was being sanctified even as he ministered to others. Paul claimed that he had not reached perfection, but that he “pressed on” to attain everything Christ desired for him (Philippians 3:12).

The third and final stage of sanctification occurs in the future. When believers die, their spirits go to be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Since nothing unclean can enter heaven (Revelation 21:27), we must be made perfect at that point. The sanctification of the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—will finally be complete when the Lord Jesus returns and we receive glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49).

God’s work in sanctification involves all three members of the Trinity. God the Father is constantly at work in His children “to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). He changes our desires, making us want to please Him, and He empowers us to do so. Jesus earned our sanctification on the cross and, in essence, has become our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30) and the “perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of our sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2), and He is the one who produces in us the fruit of sanctification (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our role in sanctification is both passive and active. Passively, we are to trust God to sanctify us, presenting our bodies to God (Romans 6:13; 12:1) and yielding to the Holy Spirit. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and God will have His way.

Actively, we are responsible to choose to do what is right. “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable” (1 Thessalonians 4:4). This involves putting to death the “misdeeds of the body” (Romans 8:13), striving for holiness (Hebrews 12:14), fleeing immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), cleansing ourselves from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1), and making every effort to supplement our faith (2 Peter 1:5-11).

Both the passive role and the active role are necessary for a healthy Christian life. To emphasize the passive role tends to lead to spiritual laziness and a neglect of spiritual discipline. The end result of this course of action is a lack of maturity. To emphasize the active role can lead to legalism, pride, and self-righteousness. The end result of this is a joyless Christian life. We must remember that we pursue holiness, but only as God empowers us to do so. The end result is a consistent, mature Christian life that faithfully reflects the nature of our holy God.

John makes it clear that we will never be totally free from sin in this life (1 John 1:8-10). Thankfully, the work God has begun in us He will finish (Philippians 1:6).gotquestions.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Johann]

The poster obviously hasn't studied sanctification otherwise he wouldn't be arguing against it since Scripture teaches we have been sanctified ( past) we are being sanctified ( present)and we will be sanctified ( future ). There is a past, present and future aspect just the same as there is with salvation. We are saved, being saved and will be saved. Faith is the same- we have believed, we believe and will believe- hope is faith in the future. The best thing about this is it gives other posters an opportunity to see the truth and those who are lurking too.

Brother, we are to test the spirits--there is a redefinition and depreciation of the written Scriptures--the poster has been corrected on numerous occasions but refuse to be corrected.

Matthew 18:15-17 - Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Titus 3:10-11 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 Thessalonians 3:15 - Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:20 - Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Ezekiel 33:7-12 - So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 14:1-23 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Titus 3:10 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

1) "A man that is an heretic," (airetikon anthropon) "A factious man," one who will not be instructed, a contentious know all.

2) "After the first and second admonition." (meta mian kai deuteran nouthesian) "After one and a second effort to instruct him," after a first and second conference, Deu_19:15; Mat_18:15-17.

3) "Reject. “ (paraitou) "Ask no more questions alongside or no longer appeal to, entreat him." Such an unteachable person was to be expelled from the congregational fellowship for persistence in:

--I am here to learn and be edified and have no time for false prophets--look at the diverse topics--and the diverse philosophies with no scripture references on some parts of the Forum.

J.

 

[ChristisGod]

Brother, we are to test the spirits--there is a redefinition and depreciation of the written Scriptures--the poster has been corrected on numerous occasions but refuse to be corrected.

Matthew 18:15-17 - Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Titus 3:10-11 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 Thessalonians 3:15 - Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:20 - Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Ezekiel 33:7-12 - So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 14:1-23 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Titus 3:10 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

1) "A man that is an heretic," (airetikon anthropon) "A factious man," one who will not be instructed, a contentious know all.

2) "After the first and second admonition." (meta mian kai deuteran nouthesian) "After one and a second effort to instruct him," after a first and second conference, Deu_19:15; Mat_18:15-17.

3) "Reject. “ (paraitou) "Ask no more questions alongside or no longer appeal to, entreat him." Such an unteachable person was to be expelled from the congregational fellowship for persistence in:

--I am here to learn and be edified and have no time for false prophets--look at the diverse topics--and the diverse philosophies with no scripture references on some parts of the Forum.

J.

Testing the spirits is a good thing and a command. It takes some discernment and a good grounding on the fundamentals of the faith. There are many who can easily be persuaded by the craftiness of others.

One thing about a flesh and blood gathering of believers is that those principles are much easier to apply as false teachers will be ex communicated from the local assembly of believers. On the internet they have full access and most of the times do not go away. They have an agenda and its not hard to see who is getting the glory- self and their self proclaimed "ideas the call truth" or Jesus. Its humility vs pride/ego. A good teacher will allow themselves to be corrected and they are learners/students as well. Its why being accountable is a great thing and taught in many places in both testaments. Its a principle God requires of His people.

Romans 12
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

@Christophany

When it comes to “sanctification”, I side with @Episkopos

His is the biblical view.

You are either sanctified or not.

There’s no in between phases.

Webster’s definition agrees:

“1. Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred services.”

 

[Johann]

Testing the spirits is a good thing and a command. It takes some discernment and a good grounding on the fundamentals of the faith. There are many who can easily be persuaded by the craftiness of others.

One thing about a flesh and blood gathering of believers is that those principles are much easier to apply as false teachers will be ex communicated from the local assembly of believers. On the internet they have full access and most of the times do not go away. They have an agenda and its not hard to see who is getting the glory- self and their self proclaimed "ideas the call truth" or Jesus. Its humility vs pride/ego. A good teacher will allow themselves to be corrected and they are learners/students as well. Its why being accountable is a great thing and taught in many places in both testaments. Its a principle God requires of His people.

Romans 12
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails.

What can I say? You said it all with the Scriptures and I am in full agreement with you.
Like I have said--I am looking for scriptural posts to be edified and grow

Acts 20:32

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Psalm 119:28

My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.

Romans 4:20

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

1 Peter 2:2

like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Ephesians 3:16

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

1 Corinthians 14:26

What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

1 Corinthians 12:7

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 14:3

But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

2 Corinthians 12:19

1. All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
   
   This is why I'm here--to be edified

Ephesians 4:15-16
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Romans 1:12

that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

--we all are in need of encouragement--and not to be manipulated by ad hominem attacks--online, or off line.
Praise God for accountability.
Shalom
J.

 

[GTW27]

exactly and a true prophet ( there are none the office has been done away with like Apostles ) would point others to Christ and not himself like a false prophet does. As we are observing the Apostles words below: 1 Corinthians 2- This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

A few are teaching against the spirit with human wisdom that is wrapped up in "spiritual" lingo, mumbo jumbo.

Blessings in Christ Jesus Christophany. I met a true prophet before and his words(not his) flowed like a river. The Presence of The Lord was so strong in this man. I hope you get to experience that as well, for then you will see with your eyes and hear with your ears and believe Ephesians 4 completely. What is really left here on these threads that can be added to. Jesus said to shake the dust off your feet anywhere we are not received. What we can do is join the one member here that is praying. She was attacked, accused, belittled, mocked, and yet she returned good for evil. This is a sweet fragrance of Christ Jesus and an example for us all.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

We are positionally sanctified. as being in Christ.

There is conditional sanctification. Or as the scripture calls it. Being sanctified.

We are not born again one second. and super mature christian's the next.

If we were, then the corinthian church would have been proclaimed as non believers, Not babes in christ needing to be fed milk.

this is just one of many examples of people who are beign sanctified by Christ. or as paul called it. running the race

 

[ChristisGod]

What can I say? You said it all with the Scriptures and I am in full agreement with you.
Like I have said--I am looking for scriptural posts to be edified and grow

Acts 20:32

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Psalm 119:28

My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.

Romans 4:20

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

1 Peter 2:2

like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Ephesians 3:16

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

1 Corinthians 14:26

What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

1 Corinthians 12:7

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 14:3

But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

2 Corinthians 12:19

1. All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
   
   This is why I'm here--to be edified

Ephesians 4:15-16
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Romans 1:12

that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

--we all are in need of encouragement--and not to be manipulated by ad hominem attacks--online, or off line.
Praise God for accountability.
Shalom
J.

Amen !

 

[ChristisGod]

Blessings in Christ Jesus Christophany. I met a true prophet before and his words(not his) flowed like a river. The Presence of The Lord was so strong in this man. I hope you get to experience that as well, for then you will see with your eyes and hear with your ears and believe Ephesians 4 completely. What is really left here on these threads that can be added to. Jesus said to shake the dust off your feet anywhere we are not received. What we can do is join the one member here that is praying. She was attacked, accused, belittled, mocked, and yet she returned good for evil. This is a sweet fragrance of Christ Jesus and an example for us all.

Can I ask what is your definition of a prophet ? Thanks !

 

[ChristisGod]

@Christophany

When it comes to “sanctification”, I side with @Episkopos

His is the biblical view.

You are either sanctified or not.

There’s no in between phases.

Webster’s definition agrees:

“1. Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred services.”

Please read these scriptures below and tell me where you disagree with any of them. Thanks !

Its not a matter of agreeing with me or him, its a matter of truth that we must be in agreement with right ? Truth is not subjective its objective and Gods word is truth not our doctrines or ideas.

The word translated “sanctification” in most Bibles means “separation.” It is used in the New Testament, according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, of the separation of the believer from evil, and it is the result of obedience to the Word of God. Progressive sanctification is what gradually separates the people of God from the world and makes them more and more like Jesus Christ.
Sanctification differs from justification in several ways. Justification is a one-time work of God, resulting in a declaration of “not guilty” before Him because of the work of Christ on the cross. Sanctification is a process, beginning with justification and continuing throughout life. Justification is the starting point of the line that represents one’s Christian life; sanctification is the line itself.


Sanctification is a three-stage process – past, present, and future. The first stage occurs at the beginning of our Christian lives. It is an initial moral change, a break from the power and love of sin. It is the point at which believers can count themselves “dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11). Once sanctification has begun, we are no longer under sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14). There is a reorientation of desires, and we develop a love of righteousness. Paul calls it “slavery to righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).


The second stage of sanctification requires a lifetime to complete. As we grow in grace, we are gradually – but steadily – changing to be more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). This occurs in a process of daily spiritual renewal (Colossians 3:10). The apostle Paul himself was being sanctified even as he ministered to others. Paul claimed that he had not reached perfection, but that he “pressed on” to attain everything Christ desired for him (Philippians 3:12).


The third and final stage of sanctification occurs in the future. When believers die, their spirits go to be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Since nothing unclean can enter heaven (Revelation 21:27), we must be made perfect at that point. The sanctification of the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—will finally be complete when the Lord Jesus returns and we receive glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49).


God’s work in sanctification involves all three members of the Trinity. God the Father is constantly at work in His children “to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). He changes our desires, making us want to please Him, and He empowers us to do so. Jesus earned our sanctification on the cross and, in essence, has become our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30) and the “perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of our sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2), and He is the one who produces in us the fruit of sanctification (Galatians 5:22-23).


Our role in sanctification is both passive and active. Passively, we are to trust God to sanctify us, presenting our bodies to God (Romans 6:13; 12:1) and yielding to the Holy Spirit. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and God will have His way.
Actively, we are responsible to choose to do what is right. “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable” (1 Thessalonians 4:4). This involves putting to death the “misdeeds of the body” (Romans 8:13), striving for holiness (Hebrews 12:14), fleeing immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), cleansing ourselves from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1), and making every effort to supplement our faith (2 Peter 1:5-11).


Both the passive role and the active role are necessary for a healthy Christian life. To emphasize the passive role tends to lead to spiritual laziness and a neglect of spiritual discipline. The end result of this course of action is a lack of maturity. To emphasize the active role can lead to legalism, pride, and self-righteousness. The end result of this is a joyless Christian life. We must remember that we pursue holiness, but only as God empowers us to do so. The end result is a consistent, mature Christian life that faithfully reflects the nature of our holy God.
John makes it clear that we will never be totally free from sin in this life (1 John 1:8-10). Thankfully, the work God has begun in us He will finish (Philippians 1:6).gotquestions.


hope this helps !!!

 

[Michiah-Imla]

@Christophany

In the many many times I have read the New Testament over the years, I have not seen “sanctification” explained as a process anywhere in the scriptures.

A brief perusal of your citations are not satisfactory to steer me away from what I have read in the scriptures.

Sorry bro.

 

[Wrangler]

@Christophany

When it comes to “sanctification”, I side with @Episkopos

His is the biblical view.

You are either sanctified or not.

There’s no in between phases.

Webster’s definition agrees:

“1. Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred services.”

Really? You obviously typed the past tense verb form. When you search Webster’s for sanctification, it is obviously a process, GROWING - as all verbs are action words

sanctification​

noun​

sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion ˌsaŋ(k)-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

Synonyms of sanctification
1
: an act of sanctifying

2
a
: the state of being sanctified
b
: the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion

 

[Wrangler]

We are positionally sanctified. as being in Christ.

I consider this the moment of repentance. We are - at long last - facing our Maker, looking for divine assistance and surrender.

 

[ChristisGod]

@Christophany

In the many many times I have read the New Testament over the years, I have not seen “sanctification” explained as a process anywhere in the scriptures.

A brief perusal of your citations are not satisfactory to steer me away from what I have read in the scriptures.

Sorry bro.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

If you were already completely sanctified in the past then there would be no command to obey regarding ones present sanctification and being in Gods will though your present sanctification by abstaining from sexual sins and remaining in Gods will in the present as a believer.

Think about that passage for a moment as if its the first time you have read it and forget about what you have learned and been taught about sanctification. Allow the truth in Gods word from 1 Thess 4:3-4 to be your guide.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Eternally Grateful]

I consider this the moment of repentance. We are - at long last - facing our Maker, looking for divine assistance and surrender.

yes. it comes as the same time as redemption. Justification. New birth, adoption etc etc..

 

[Eternally Grateful]

1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

If you were already completely sanctified in the past then there would be no command to obey regarding ones present sanctification and being in Gods will though your present sanctification by abstaining from sexual sins and remaining in Gods will in the present as a believer.

Think about that passage for a moment as if its the first time you have read it and forget about what you have learned and been taught about sanctification. Allow the truth in Gods word from 1 Thess 4:3 to be your guide.

hope this helps !!!

good luck

 

[ChristisGod]

good luck

Its a matter of removing ones presuppositions and allowing Gods spirit to speak to them. Thats out of our control. All we can do is point them to the truth and its up to them to submit to the truth and accept it, you can lead a horse to water but cannot make it drink as the saying goes. Our job is to bear witness to the truth. Jesus is the way the truth and the life and His words are spirit and truth. We can point them to Christ and its up to the Holy Spirit to convict them and lead them into that truth.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

2
a
: the state of being sanctified

There it is.

 

[ChristisGod]

And why would Jesus ask the Father to sanctify them in truth if the disciples were already saved, sanctified and had nothing to do with future sanctification ?

John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour

If you were already completely sanctified in the past then there would be no command to obey

Obeying maintains your sanctified status.