WCF 13 - Saved, Sealed and Sanctified!

WCF 13 - Saved, Sealed and Sanctified!

Chapter 13:
Of Sanctification

13:1 They, who are 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 (Act_20:32; Rom_6:5, Rom_6:6; 1Co_6:11; Phi_3:10), by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them (Joh_17:17; Eph_5:26; 2Th_2:13): the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed (Rom_6:6, Rom_6:14), and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified (Rom_8:13; Gal_5:24); and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces (Eph_3:16-19; Col_1:11), to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (2Co_7:1; Heb_12:14).

13:2 This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man (1Th_5:23); yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part (Rom_7:18, Rom_7:23; Phi_3:12; 1Jo_1:10): whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Gal_5:17; 1Pe_2:11).

13:3 In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail (Rom_7:23); yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome(Rom_6:14; Eph_4:15, Eph_4:16; 1Jo_5:4); and so, the saints grow in grace(2Co_3:18; 2Pe_3:18), perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2Co_7:1).

Summary statements we are taught:

A. The regenerated nature in the believer is enabled to develop by the Word and the Work of the Holy Spirit (WCF 13- 1)

B. Sanctification developed in the believer causes him to die more and more unto sin and live more and more unto righteousness (WCF 13.1)

C. The work of sanctification is a work that involves and is at work in the whole person (WCF 13.2)

D. WE will never be fully righteous in this life therefore sanctification is progressive in the believer (WCF 13.2)

E. Progress in sanctification in that the believer seeks to strive to perfect holiness in the fear of God (WCF 13.3)