Image of Salvation

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1 Image of Salvation: Sanctification Caroline B. Johnson Liberty University THEO 104: Introduction to Theology Survey Dr. Thomas Spotts March 4, 2024

2 Image of Salvation: Sanctification Introduction Ever since Adam and Eve first sinned, there has been a great need for salvation for all humankind. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, salvation became a free gift for everyone. Salvation is available for anyone who believes and once a person is saved, they are forgiven for all their sins. However, even after a person is saved, the root of the sin problem is still present. This is why a person must seek sanctification. Sanctification is the second definite work of grace that comes after salvation. The purpose of sanctification is to enable the believer to lead a righteous life. Definition and Description After a person is saved, the next step in the Christian walk is sanctification. In the article “Five Things the Bible Says About Sanctification,” it is stated, “By definition, sanctification means to be reserved for holy use. The objective of every believer should be to hastily pursue this” (The Billy Graham Library, 2021). Because sanctification transforms the believer by removing the root of the sin nature in his/her life, it is of utmost importance that Christians seek this second definite work of grace wholeheartedly. Many theologians believe that the doctrine of sanctification is necessary for the doctrine of justification. “Nevertheless, a strong doctrine of sanctification is the necessary counterpoint to a doctrine of justification. In an increasingly fragmented culture, sanctification needs to be set within an account of the church as a community of moral and spiritual formation” (Fergusson, 1999). This means that justification is not enough. A Christian must receive sanctification after justification in order to be separated from the world and the sin problem. This is supported by

3 Romans 12:2 which says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (KJV). Ultimately, this means that both justification and sanctification are necessary to live out the will of God. Relationship With the Sin Problem Sanctification removes the root of sin from a believer’s life. It is important to note that sanctification does not make a person incapable of sin and temptation, however, it does give the believer the ability to live righteously. In order to explain this concept, Ostis B. Wilson uses the examples of when two of Jesus’ disciples desired a higher place in his kingdom, and when all twelve of his disciples were arguing who would be the greatest in his kingdom. The author states that these “incidents all manifested something that would lead them into sin again, were it permitted to continue to live in their hearts” (Wilson, 2024). Wilson also writes that Jesus prayed for his disciples’ sanctification after these incidents. This indicates that even after salvation, the believer will still have thoughts that could lead to sin, which is why sanctification is important to remove these thoughts. Application After a believer is sanctified, he/she is prepared to live out the will of God. The Bible says, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work” (KJV). Therefore, according to this verse, when a person receives sanctification, he/she is separated from sin, and is ready to go to work for the Lord. With this work of sanctification in the believer’s life comes a change of

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4 heart that creates a desire to love God and others, which in turn prepares one for God’s holy purpose. Whether one is teaching at a school, Sunday School, or teaching the Word to unbelievers, sanctification is important. Theologian John C. Jeske writes: Our work of preaching and teaching is to be a fruit of our sanctification. That's the way God has ordained it, and that's the only way He wants it. God doesn't want us to be parrots, simply spouting what we've heard others say but we're to speak what we ourselves have seen and heard and experienced in our own hearts (p. 7, 1958). This implies that believers are to share their personal testimony when teaching, rather than simply relying on the testimonies of others. Along with biblical teaching, believers are to share with others the joy of their own salvation. Sanctification prepares an individual to do this effectively. Conclusion Just like salvation, sanctification is a free gift for any believer. In order to live a righteous life, it is vital that believers seek this free gift wholeheartedly. Sanctification removes the root of the sin problem from the believer and prepares them for God’s holy purpose, which is to share the gospel with others. Sanctification is necessary to live out God’s purpose fully, because it empowers the believer to resist thoughts that could lead to sin. This is why believers must understand the importance of sanctification and pursue it with all of their heart until they receive this second work of grace.

5 References Billy Grahan Library (2021). “Five Things the Bible Says About Sanctification.” https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-5-things-the-bible-says-about-sanctification/ . Fergusson, D. (1999). Reclaiming the doctrine of sanctification: A Journal of Bible and Theology. Interpretation, 53 (4), 380-390. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu? url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/reclaiming-doctrine-sanctification/ docview/202729155/se-2 . Jeske, John C. (1958). “The Life of a Pastor or of a Teacher is to be a Life of Sanctification.” Southeastern Wisconsin District Convention. http://essays.wisluthsem.org:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/2391/ JeskeSanctification.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y . Wilson, Ostis B. (2024). Sanctification, a Second Work of Grace. Timeless Truths. https://library.timelesstruths.org/texts/Truths_on_Sanctification/ Sanctification_a_Second_Work_of_Grace/ .

Image of Salvation

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