Sanctification

Understanding the issue of sanctification is critical to living the Christian life. A crucial part of the teaching of Jesus and His apostles in regards to authentic salvation and living faith, sanctification is meant to cover every aspect of a believers life. Various theology, doctrine and practice have been adopted by different denominations throughout two millennia of Church history. Throughout the debates of "how" and "why" themes and concepts emerge. Assurance of salvation and the fear of the Lord. Victory over temptation and sin. Answered prayer and intimacy with Christ. Power for ministry and experiencing the glory of God. Yet questions remain. What exactly does sanctification entail. Is it an event or process? Does being "saved" automatically translate into being "sanctified?"

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Clearly scripture is the final authority in spiritual matters. Nonetheless, many dedicated Christian leaders and teachers have differing views on sanctification. It's an issue getting far less attention than it deserves today. Within modern Christianity, too many take offense at the notion anything more than mental assent is needed to please God. While Jesus and His apostles where clear about the vital role played by holiness and good deeds, teaching about additions to salvation is hardly welcomed.

For several reason, among those who invest more time and effort to follow Christ, there can be a hesitancy to examine themselves closely regarding living a sanctified lifestyle. Much of this stems from our enjoyment of worldly pursuits, from prosperity and acquiring riches to entertainment. On the flip side, theology can also stymie the discussion. Many doctrines insist that belief in Christ is enough to insure salvation, sanctification and being filled with the Spirit.

The phrase, "Born Again" has become the clarion call for hundreds of millions these day though it appears only a single time in scripture. Interestingly, like so many Bible passages, these words of Jesus would seem to point to either a serious of events or an ongoing spiritual progression:

"There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. 'Rabbi,' he said, 'we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you. 'Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, unless you are "born again" you cannot "see" the Kingdom of God. 'What do you mean?' exclaimed Nicodemus. 'How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?' Jesus replied, 'I assure you, no one can "enter" the Kingdom of God without being born of "water" and the "Spirit".'" John 3:1-5

Without going into great detail, a simple rendering of this passage suggests that being born again, or literally "born from above" allows one to see or perceive the Kingdom of God. Jesus goes on to explain that entering the Kingdom requires of being born of water and the Spirit. Many assume that being born of water implies physical birth while heavenly birth is by the Spirit. Clearly true, as is so often the case, Christ may be communicating much more than is immediately apparent.

Water is used metaphorically throughout scripture. Water often represents the word of God, as in Ephesians:

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:26-27

From these two verses and many others, it becomes clear Jesus may have been explaining to Nicodemous and the rest of us that to truly enter the Kingdom requires additional steps in sanctification, including obedience to scripture and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Doctrinally and practically speaking, there seem to be two great division of thought when it comes to the theology of sanctification. Throughout history the majority opinion embraced a progressive and suppressive model. This theory suggests salvation initiates a lifetime of spiritual growth marked by learning about God and conforming to His will.

The minority opinion is convinced there is a "second work of grace" essential to every believer if we are to become like Jesus. Many a powerful Christians life has been sparked into flame by the fire of the Holy Spirit's challenge complete obedience to Christ's command to "seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." Wrestling against sin above, about and within, this experience is often marked by earnest Bible study and travailing prayer.

So the obvious question is which way is doctrine is accurate? Perhaps both are. Like so many things in life, sanctification may well be both comprised of events and processes. Life itself begins, but does not end, at the event of conception. Growth must continue for the embryo to successfully mature into a fetus. Birth is another event that begins another phase in the process life within which the pattern of event, process continues in various ways.

The following links resource some of the best teaching of this important subject by some of the most influential men and brightest minds throughout Church history:

John Wesley:
Charles Finney

Jonathan Edwards
Leonard Ravenhill

David Wilkerson
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