SANCIFICATION
Sanctification has three aspects, initial, progressive and ultimate that must be properly understood. The two great gifts of God which are the forgiveness of sins on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit are an integral part of sanctification.
Initial sanctification (positional)
This means our having been made perfect in Christ because of the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Righteousness is imputed to the believer by faith (justification). It occurs at the new birth, regeneration and conversion. Forgiveness of sins and peace with God are received. There is a new position in Christ. (Romans 5:11, 1Corintians 1:2,2Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:3-7 and Hebrew 10:10) An over- emphasis of initial sanctification can lead to a sense of defeat and also to pride, sickness, struggles, denial of present sin, lack of daily confession and continuing repentance, hypocrisy, anxiety, a lack of trust in God and unbelief.
An under- emphasis leads to insecurity, fears, uncertainty and self- centeredness.
Progressive sanctification (experiential)
This involves our being made perfect in Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in us and is a life- long process as we become increasingly conformed to the image of God’s son. This is growth in holiness and maturity. It is our condition in Christ. (Romans 6-8, Colossians 1:28, Ephesians 4:12-15, Mathew 5 and Philippians 3)
An over- emphasis of progressive sanctification can lead to a lack of understanding of what the cross has accomplished for us, uncertainty, doubt, introspection, self- effort in trying to sanctify myself and delay in ministry involvement until mature enough.
An under- emphasis leads to license and stunted spiritual
Ultimate sanctification (glorification)
This is our translation at the lord’s coming or at death where we will be made perfect in