Survey...What the Bible says on Sanctification

Jude would be correct in that sanctification is a process of preparation of one becomeing righteous and holy to be able to stand before our God and not be consumed.

babes and children in christ need a high priest as a mediator. only by receiving the righteousness of Christ can one go before the father without a mediator.

between the child stage and young man stage does one recognize the spirit of Christ within oneself. allowing the disciple to go before the father "in the name of Christ" or in stead of christ.

salvation can be said to be obtained when the discovery of the resurrected spirit is within oneself. and that occurs in the young man stage. not the babe and/or child stage.

1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

young men are referenced as being overcomers proving their understanding in faith through trials and persecutions.

sanctification is not instant.
It is a process of testing and trials.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

this statement is directed towards children "in christ". they are inline to becoming young men after they experience and confess that Jesus is Lord! notice thou shalt be saved. (are they not already?)
this statement referrs to those who acknowledge the understanding that the spirit of the resurrected Jesus Christ is within them signifying their own resurrection from spiritual death and acknowledgement that This resurrected spirit has overcome even death itself. making the selfsame spirit of Jesus christ as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

this is not something a babe or child can speak of without evidence within them

one can only understand this only by being in the process.

Me2

 

Why are you calling Jude out on this? Isn't it better to focus on the issue and not the person?

 

The Holy Bible agrees with that assertion: sanctification is a crucial part of salvation.

 

Here is the SOF = statement of faith
chapter on the matter:

IV. Salvation

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

 

Actually sanctification is a crucial part in the process of salvation. That is classic Reformation theology. All of our Salvation (Justification, Sanctification, Glorification) is the Work of God.

 

Amen, Brother Kiffin -- Preach it!

Jesus Justifies!
Jesus Sanctifies!
Jesus Glorifies!

Jesus Saves

 

sanctify
SYLLABICATION: sanc·ti·fy
PRONUNCIATION: AUDIO: sngkt-f KEY
TRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: sanc·ti·fied, sanc·ti·fy·ing, sanc·ti·fies
1. To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
2. To make holy; purify.
3. To give religious sanction to, as with an oath or vow: sanctify a marriage.
4. To give social or moral sanction to.
5. To make productive of holiness or spiritual blessing.

The long process of santification is a man thought up concept. It has already been stated that to be santified is to be set apart. That is the first and main definiton of the word, sanctify. We are set apart at the time we are saved, that is the moment we place our trust in Christ, by faith, to forgive our Sin. Maturing in Christ then happens as all "babes" need to grow to maturity. I view sanctification as an argument for OSAS, because in my mind I cannot see God setting a person apart as a gift for His only Son (John 17) and then taking that sanctified gift back. Oops that was way off subject, sorry about that. Anyway, santification is instant by definition. Maturing or growing in Christ is lifelong.

In Christ,
Brian

 

sanctification is NOT instant. it is a slow process of learning through accepting wisdom by faith and accepting the understanding by faith and assembling both from God as free gifts creating knowledge of self, God and his nature and plans.

this is Gods work towards an individual in preparing one to become ready in the SERVICE of the lord.

sanctification is only for those who have been chosen to be "sons of God". their are many babes and children asleep today "in christ", (but they havent been given the understanding that their spirit has been resurrected.)

those of the understanding of children and babes in christ are not chosen to move forward to be "ambassadors in the ministry of reconciliation" as their older siblings are.

if many think that life stops after they physically die they will be shocked to find out that christians are being chosen today and trained to work in the next age.

we can observe the change in understanding when the believer can confess that the resurrected spirit of Christ is "within oneself". a marked change that a process of understanding is occurring within the believer.
yet there are still further earmarks that can be observed as the believer grows in understanding.

concerning those in this sanctification process are the young men and the fathers in faith. (1 jon 2:13-14)both have a distinctive difference in understanding of the knowledge of the character and plans of God.

Me2

 

What????? Me2, you lost me. Anyway provide scripture for your argument that santification is lifelong. Thanks.

In Christ, Brian

 

Briguy,

we are all following a course of discipleship. If we are not the disciple, we are the teacher.

Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit.

you've read these scripture but do you notice a level of comprehension necessary. this is specifically speaking to a babe/child "in christ" are here learning doctrine. but this is not first hand for we are furthur seeking the revelation or understanding that we may hold these truths in our hand.

(yet do you notice that this doesnt speak of having the spirit within)

today if we were to look inside the walls of the church we would see two kind of followers accepting wisdom and understanding. one would be reading a book without the revelation, and the other having the revelation seeking the wisdom within the book to make sense of its meaning. the difference between the two is first and foremost the spirit within.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

the jews have the "law" and seek its reality or, revelation to make it understandable, while the greeks have the revelation (sign, spirit, vision) and seek the wisdom to understand its meaning.

it is the same parallel with babes/children seeking the sign, the revelation to make the bible (law) understandable and the young men, fathers seek wisdom to make the revelation that they have received (spirit) mean something to them.

there are four stages in sanctification.

if one is chosen to be a son of God, then the seed is given with the promise that they will acheive this status at some later date. notice paul, or john speak of children as if they are destined to go on to reach higher understanding.. between the child and young man stage is the reflection point where one will move further ,reverse course, or stand still in their understanding.

the wisdom held at this reflection point in the child... is God sovereign?. does God have the preeminence to do as he pleases bar none.

trials and persecutions come from within and without. if the child holds to the belief that God is sovereign above all including the flesh within .
he moves forward.

what happens?. they are given the revelation that Jesus has truly been resurrected. the selfsame spirit is now "within them" and that Jesus is lord and that they themselves have been judged of God and been given eternal life by the witness of the spirit of the LORD JESUS CHRIST within themselves.

this is the change from the child stage of comprehension to the beginning of the comprehension of the young man. they realize that they have overcome death. the power of Satan. they have overcome the wicked one.. they have overcome the first of THREE enemies. the first being the flesh.

the other two enemies are the world and satan. which also will come and be overcome by the follower

1Jo 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

notice the statements said to the father and young man. the young man has overcome the wicked one.
obtaining a new spirit is the only way to overcome the power of death. to overcome the teachings of satan towards us. to overcome the sin that so easily besets us. yet their are still two enemies to conquer in their path.
father are reminded to understand who God is from the beginning. well, we have accepted that he is completely sovereign. we pass another reflection point between the young man and fath stage. and this is in reference to the character of God.
If God is love as he is from the beginning. then his goal is formed in love towards his creation.

why do you hear today that man has free will and that God will (hates) torment 95% of his creation in hell.
because of the lack of understanding and the babbling of ignorant children. these are those who have been chosen to be vessels of wrath in mans future in the ages to come. yet the truth is that God is sovereign, has created everything to its final goal before the foundation of the world.. and his intensions are to save all men. not just some.

and this will be the job or inheritance of the sons of God. to offer forgiveness, mercy and knowledge to Gods creation in the ages to come.

loving God and Loving man takes experience. not lip service. the sons of God are witnessing to these truths today. and in the next age will teach their disciples to bring them into the fold and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sanctification encompassed the life of the follower. God is infinite and we will be forever learning who He is and who we are. today the sons of God are the disciples. in the age to come they are not only disciples but become teachers to others concerning the love of God as well as the love for their fellow man.

everything you read of about heaven is about men treating each other with what God supplies them.

the sons of God, the body of Christ, or bride is one with Jesus. when you see a son of God coming your way. You see Jesus. for this is who they represent. sanctification is training the son of God today. In heaven, when you see a son of God. He will have disciples following him, as well as the multitudes. training starts here on earth and is perfected in heaven through the sons of God.

anyhow, a child learns the law and doctrines. until they receive the resurrected spirit within them. its only words of wisdom. no understanding.

as a young man and father, you receive revelations. pictures within your mind. next we allow the bible to explain what we have witness to within the revelation.
seeing that the bible is first hand accounts of men who have received the same revelations and have given us a record in their own words of wisdom explaining what they have seen and paralleling with our personal understanding.

Me2

 

Oh. Well, I wouldn't want anyone spreading false information, true enough. I'm just wondering though, what gives me, or anyone, the guarantee that you will have the correct information, or even that Jude's is wrong? Well, beyond "this is what I think scripture means" anyways?

 

Me2 writes:

""there are four stages in sanctification.""

So are you saying that we are "set apart" four different ways or 4 different times or what?

Santification means to be "set apart". It does not mean to grow. It is the plucking from one area and the planting in a different area that is away from the first area. Like picking a flower from a flower garden and putting it in a vase. How could there be four stages to that?

In Christ,
Brian

 

Briguy,

stages of holiness and understanding is mentioned in the OT in the design of the tabernacle and temple.

we have the high priest, his family and the OTHER tribes of levi. all having specific and different duties as they serve the tabernacle AND THE ALTER.
could just anyone enter into the tabernacle. no. they had to be properly SANCTIFIED before entering.
was aarons sons capable of entering the holy of holies? no. only aaron could, delieniating Aaron from his own sons.
look at the furnishings of the tabernacle and temple. bronze outside the tabernacle. silver for the inner room. and gold for the holy of holies. segregating and emphasising the differences of the building designs and those who can serve each room.

it is mentioned in the NT in the discription of the kingdom of heaven and of God.

the outercourt is for those serving the temple. these are described as children and babes "in christ". the cannot enter into the kingdom of God (tabernacle). only young men and fathers could enter into the kingdom of God.

there is a specific difference in jesus parables between these two "kingdoms" and those who occupy its realm. there is the mention of the works. gold silver and precious stones. wood hay stubble.
notice the mention of silver and gold. a parallel of only those serving the alter.
the mention of the 30,60 and 100. again 30=children 60=young men and 100=fathers.
what kind of works do we possess. and what kind of works will be burned up.
well we have those serving the alter that is represented by GOLD. we have those who can congregate inside the inner sanctuary with their brothers (the young men) which is represented by works of SILVER. (also precious stone (brestplate))

and we have all works in the outer court which will be unacceptable for those priests serve those involving the law and its administration. (wood,hay and stubble (doctrine))
does children "in christ" have the spirit of christ within them? no. eternal life begins at the receiving of the spirit of Jesus inside the follower. which occers between the child and young man stage.

Sanctification can be visually noticed and witnessed to by the comprehension and experiential understandings of the follower.
as the confessing of Jesus as lord. a child cannot nor a babe in christ cannot confess this.

there is much much more to be described as the new testament is teaching the young men and fathers to identify their enemies. yet at the same time teaching them to express mercy to their brothers and sisters less educated.

mention of babes in christ

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.

mention of children in christ

Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit.

mention of fathers and young men (in the lord)

1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

have you noticed that John when speaking to children "in christ" focuses on the title of Christ and not Lord? this is because children need the high priest for they cannot enter into the tabernacle. they do not serve the alter.

yet when the follower reaches the stage of young man and father they can enter and stand before the father in the name of the high priest. in the name of christ. "instead" of christ (because christ is in them)

this is complicated briguy, yet if you havent witnessed to the differences in stages and their specific functions and capabilities. then speaking about the wisdom describing their individual functions is moot.

Me2

 

Me2, I think we just differ in what we mean by the core definition of the word santification. I agree every Christian needs to grow in their faith. Paul seemed to make that clear. The word santification again though, means "set apart". Yes, a high priest had to be sanctified to enter the Holy of Holies. That came by sacrificing an animal and using the blood to cleanse the dirtiness of sins. That was in the OT. When Christ came as the once for all sacrifice the sanctification of believer became complete at the time of their salvation because the Sin was fully dealt with once and for all. No need to have any more sacrifices or shedding of blood therefore sanctification is complete when we trust Christ, We are "set apart" and given as a gift from the Father to the Son.

In Christ,
Brian

 

I guess i construe scantification more mundane.
In the physical world i have to take a
bath every day. If i don't i start to get
smelly. After the second day folks start
to look strangely at me. After the
third day without a bath I even begin to
offend myself.

Scantification then is the process of
cleaning up daily for my daily walk
with Jesus.

 

This is a continuation from the freemason thread...

Jude,

This is true. Faith without works results in death just as works without faith.

My problem with what you've said is that Jesus' blood covers our sins, no matter how short we are of perfection.

Here is my view on what the Bible says:

Sanctification is a byproduct for those who take Jesus as lord. The only important fact for salvation is that we do take Jesus as lord of our lives. No matter how close to perfection we come in life, we will never escape sin as long as we are bound to this body.

Hey Brian! It's Nils here.

I'm afraid that I must disagree. It is when we make Christ the Lord of our lives that we are "set apart". This entails much more than simply trusting in Jesus for salvation.

 

Nils, Where you been??

I thought you were long gone from here. I see you have a new name as well. How's life? Did you ever find a good church to attend? Anyway, Hope you are doing great and resting in Him.

As for santification, The way I see it is that Jesus Blood was shed as a one time event. Being saved is a one time event. Sanctification, by "set apart" definition is a one time event. Growth however is a lifetime event. Jesus cleared the way for instant and final sanctification, it did not exist before Him.

Take care and glad to talk with you again!!!

In Christ,
Brian

 

Brian,

We're still looking. We've tried several churches for short stints. It is difficult trying to find a church that has enough of what I expect and yet has enough of what my wife expects. I am out of a Lutheran upbringing and my wife is more into the contemporary Christian scene.

Her stuff leaves me feeling hollow. My stuff bores her to tears.

As far as sanctification goes, yes Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient, but it is not sufficient for those who are not truely his followers.

Simply believing that Jesus will save you is not enough.