Biblical Images of Salvation-Sanctification Essay
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The Doctrine of Sanctification a Biblical Image of Salvation
Tracey A. Coleman
THEO202: Theology Survey II
June 19, 2023
The Doctrine of Sanctification a Biblical Image of
Salvation
Sanctification, what it is? What does it mean in the life of the believer? What are some
biblical, historical, and theological contours of sanctification and how does the image relate to
and address the problem of sin? How do the implications of the doctrine of sanctification apply
to the life of Christians and my vocation as a minister and youth leader?
Sanctification is defined as being “made holy, set apart” for and knowing that God has a
specific and special purpose for and in the life of believers.
With deeper study and examination
of this doctrine, one can obtain a clearer understanding that sanctification is more than only
being set apart for God’s purpose. Sanctification is a lifelong progressive process with
supernatural characteristics, work that cannot be done by the power of the believer alone but
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification has eternal implications in the life of
believers and those who have been called out, foreknew, predestined, justified, and glorified by
God.
(Romans 8:29-30 New International Version) Says “For those God foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;
those he justified, he also glorified.”
The biblical contour of this verse points to God’s desire to
be present and active in the life of the believer from before conception until the believer’s
glorified, perfected body is revealed at the second coming of Christ. The goal of the believer
should be to live a lifestyle that honors and obeys God so that the promise of eternal life with
him is assured.
According to
Introducing Christian Doctrine
sanctification is the process of turning from
sin toward holiness with the goal of leading a sinless life.”
1
Throughout history, biblical
evidence points to the importance of sanctification. In Leviticus chapter 20 God called the people
of Israel to sanctify themselves and keep his commandments and he will perform the work of
making his people holy. “Consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am the Lord your God.
Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:7-8). The
lesson that can be applied from the historical event is that there must be cooperative work on
behalf of the believer otherwise our sanctification from God will be of no value.
“In theological language, the term sanctification has largely referred to something that we
do, normally our growth in holiness. However, the Bible uses the term sanctification in a more
definitive way, indicating the holy status that we have already through our union with Christ.
This consecrated status forms the foundation from which we grow in holiness and godliness in
our lives and relationships; we strive to be what we are.”
2
Holy. (1 Peter 1:16) “Because it is
written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
The image of salvation through sanctification relates to and addresses the problem of sin.
As there is an awareness of sin and the nature to sin on behalf of the believer as well as the desire
not to give in to our innate sinful nature and desires (Romans 7:19-20 NKJV) says “for the good
that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will
not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” There is an awareness of the
presence and the working of the Holy Spirit within the life of the believer to replace sinful nature
with one of love and obedience to God.
1 Milliard,
Introducing Christian Doctrine
, 373.
2 Zaspel,
2023
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As it relates to Christian life the doctrine of sanctification according to
Introducing
Christian Doctrine
is “the Holy Spirit’s applying to the life of the believer the work done by
Jesus Christ.”
3
Additionally, “there are important practical implications of our view that though
sinlessness is not experienced in this life, it must be our aim.”
4
When there is an awareness of
the vital union that exists between Christ and the believer the desire to sin is removed due to the
work of the Holy Spirit, according to
Introducing Christian Doctrine
“His life actually flows into
ours, renewing our inner nature (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:16) and imparting spiritual strength.”
5
As a Youth Pastor and “servant leader” I have been set apart to be an example to young
people to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to demonstrate with the aid of the Holy Spirit
how to live an obedient and godly life a life that honors Him.
All of us have a purpose in life and
can be used by God to fulfill that purpose. “For there is no respect of persons with God”
(Romans 2:11 KJV). God is sovereign to choose whomever he will. The believer’s union with
Christ imparts the power to not conform to the sinfulness of the world. I can encourage young
people that it is cool to be set apart, to be holy, and to live righteously and it is essential to our
salvation. Living a life that is pleasing to Christ has its rewards both on earth and eternally.
In conclusion, sanctification or being “set apart”, being made holy is a lifelong
progressive process with supernatural characteristics, work that cannot be done in and of
ourselves but through the power and aid of the Holy Spirit. The goal of the believer should be to
live a lifestyle that honors and exhibits the characteristics of Christ. To live righteously and to
acknowledge the work of Christ on the cross through his death, burial, and resurrection which is
essential and vital to our salvation.
3 Milliard,
Introducing Christian Doctrine
, 373.
4 Milliard,
Introducing Christian Doctrine,
378.
5 Milliard,
Introducing Christian Doctrine,
362.
Bibliography
Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 373.
Zaspel, Fred. "The Doctrine of Sanctification."
TGC.
2023.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-doctrine-of-sanctification/ (accessed June
18, 2023).
Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 374
Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 378.
Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, ed. Arnold L. Hustad, Third Edition. (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 362.
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