In the previous volumes we have discussed the meriting of salvation and its application to the elect. In the final two volumes we shall consider the life of the true partakers of the covenant in its particulars and the manner in which it functions. We shall begin with sanctification and holiness.
The Infinitives “To Sanctify” and “To Hallow” Defined
The verbs sanctify or hallow have several meanings. First, they are sometimes understood comprehensively as referring to salvation in its entirety, in which are comprehended regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification (Heb 10:10; 1 Pet 1:2). Secondly, they occasionally signify a reverent acknowledgment of God’s majesty, essential holiness, and other attributes (1 Pet 3:15). Thirdly, they can signify a separation from common usage unto the service of God. This can be true 1) as far as time is concerned; God thus sanctified the seventh day (Exod 20:11); 2) for matters and objects separated for religious purposes (Exod 40:13 Num 5:10); 3) for persons separated unto the public ministry, such as the firstborn (Num 3:13), subsequently the tribe of Levi in their place (Num 3:12, 45), and Aaron and his sons in the priestly office (Exod 40:13). Fourthly, it can signify an accommodating of one’s self to and preparing of one’s self for religious service (Exod 19:10-11). Fifthly, it can signify separation from the world and transfer into the church (Deut 7:6; 1 Cor 7:14). Sixthly, it can signify an internal disposition which harmonizes with the image of God, as well as its external manifestation (Heb 12:14; 2 Cor 7:1). It is the latter which we shall discuss in this chapter.
The Distinction Between Justification and Sanctification
Justification and sanctification always coexist in a believer; where the one is, the other will also be present. One should entertain no notions about justification if he does not at the same time possess the principle of sanctification. Neither ought he to have any notions that he is a partaker of true sanctification if he is not justified and if he does not earnestly seek this by faith in Christ. They are therefore conjoined: “Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification” (1 Cor 1:30); “… but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified” (1 Cor 6:11).
Nevertheless, these two matters are in essence entirely different. First, justification is executed by God as righteous Judge; sanctification is executed by God the Holy Spirit as re-creator. Secondly, justification is executed by God toward man as the object; sanctification transpires within man as being the subject. Thirdly, justification removes guilt and punishment, and establishes man in a state of felicity; sanctification removes pollution and restores the image of God. Fourthly, justification is executed perfectly each time; sanctification always remains imperfect as long as man is upon earth. Fifthly, in natural order justification comes first, and sanctification follows as proceeding from justification.
Sanctification: The Efficacious Operation of God in the Elect
Sanctification is the efficacious operation of God in elect, called, regenerated, and justified sinners, purifying them by means of the Word from the pollution of sin, transforming them according to the image of God, and—by virtue of this internal principle of spiritual life—causing them to live according to His will as expressed in the law of the ten commandments.
We repeat, sanctification is an efficacious work of God. God alone is its cause. As little as man can contribute to his regeneration, faith, and justification, so little can he contribute to his sanctification. “… for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Lord Jesus says this concerning His disciples who already are believers. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do” (Phil 2:13). The apostle demonstrates this in his prayer: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thess 5:23); “And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel” (Ezek 37:28). Sometimes it is attributed to the Father: “… to them that are sanctified by God the Father” (Jude 1); sometimes to the Son: “That He might sanctify and cleanse it” (Eph 5:26); sometimes to the Holy Spirit: “… through sanctification of the Spirit” (1 Pet 1:2); “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Gal 5:22). He is therefore called the “Spirit of holiness” (Rom 1:4).