10. Of Sanctification

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means—especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

PLACES IN THE BIBLE WHERE TAUGHT

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness;

(1 Th 4:3)  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

(1 Th 5:23)  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2 Cor 7:1)  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(2 Cor 13:9)  For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

(Eph 1:4)  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

that it is a progressive work;

(Prov 4:18)  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

(2 Cor 3:18)  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(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,

(2 Pet 1:5-8)  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; {6} And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; {7} And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. {8} For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Phil 3:12-16)  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. {13} Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, {14} I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. {15} Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. {16} Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

that it is begun in regeneration;

(1 John 2:29)  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

(Rom 8:5)  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

(John 3:6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

(Phil 1:9-11)  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; {10} That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; {11} Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

(Eph 1:13-14)  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, {14} Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means—especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

(Phil 2:12-13)  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. {13} For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(Eph 4:11-12)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

(1 Pet 2:2)  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

(2 Pet 3:18)  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

(2 Cor 13:5)  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

(Luke 11:35)  Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

(Luke 9:23)  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

(Mat 26:41)  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

(Eph 6:18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(Eph 4:30)  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.