WE come now to Chapter 23 in our look into the Principle of Position. To review, we have looked at our Position “in Christ” Defined and Illustrated, followed by a view of Justification and Assurance, the meaning of Reconciliation and Acceptance, and finally our Completeness and Security in Christ. Now we come to Sanctification and Consecration, and how that works out in the context of our Union with Christ.
WE don’t hear much about consecration or holiness these days (something I wish to address in the near future); but sanctification is familiar territory; our confessions speak much to it. The author here speaks rightly to the various aspects of sanctification, or what is sometimes called in three phases: positional, progressive, and final (or ultimate) sanctification – noting excellent illustrations and implications for our consideration.
THIS is an important doctrine for spiritual stability and growth in the Christian life. I would refer you to Westminster Larger Catechism questions 75, 77 & 78 as excellent statements to be read alongside and kept near at hand while going through this section of our study.
MAY you find this a blessing in drawing near to our God in all the blessings that are yours reserved in Christ, in whom we live, and move, and have our very being.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 23—Sanctification and Consecration
There need be no difficulty with the subject of sanctification once the meaning of the term is understood. In both the Hebrew and the Greek, sanctification is synonymous with separation. To be sanctified means to be “set apart” for God’s possession and use.
It is important to realize that the term has nothing whatsoever to do with the thought of cleansing or purification, as so many seem to think. For example, it is recorded that, prior to the advent of sin into the world, “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Gen. 2:3). He set apart the Sabbath as a special day. Further, the sinless Lord Jesus said, “I sanctify myself’ (John 17:19). He willingly set Himself apart, He separated Himself, He completely devoted Himself to the work the Father gave Him to do.
Position
It is all-important to keep in mind the clear scriptural distinction between our fully-sanctified position and our being-sanctified condition. Positionally, our Father has already done the work on our behalf, just as He has already justified, reconciled, accepted, and secured us—in the Lord Jesus. Note the difference between the Corinthians’ position, and their condition: (1) “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Cor. 1:2); (2) “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren … that there are contentions among you” (1 Cor. 1:11).
In the first place, it is heartening to realize that our sanctification is both the will, and the work, of God. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…” (1 Thess. 4:3). “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly… Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thess. 5:23, 24). He has sanctified us positionally because we looked to Him for salvation; He will sanctify us experientially as we look to Him for growth.
Every believer, whether babe or veteran, is already separated unto God in Christ Jesus. What makes the difference in the believer’s condition is that he becomes clearly aware of his sanctified position in the risen Lord. …to be continue
