They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them, the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
All those called and regenerated by the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The means by which the Spirit accomplishes sanctification, or the recasting of the creature into the image of Christ are fourfold:
1. By virtue of Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11).
2. The indwelling of God's word and Spirit.
3. The destruction of the dominion of sin, along with the weakening and mortification of natural lusts.
4. Divine quickening and strengthening in all saving graces, until true holiness is realized, without which no one will see the Lord.
Unlike justification, which is a one-time-for-all declaration of our new position before God in Christ, sanctification is a process. Like any process, there are advances and reverses. This we will discuss in greater detail next time.
Tomorrow: The direction of sanctification in the life of the believer.
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