Chapter 13: Of Sanctification
They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally,1 through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them;2 the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and the several lusts of it are more and more weakened and mortified,4 and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,5 to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.6
This sanctification is throughout the whole man,7 yet imperfect in this life; there abides still some remnants of corruption in every part,8 wherefrom arises a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.9
In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,10 yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome;11 and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in his Word has prescribed to them.12
1 Acts 20:32; Rom. 6:5–6
2 John 17:17; Eph. 3:16–19; 1 Thess. 5:21–23
3 Rom. 6:14
4 Gal. 5:24
5 Col. 1:11
6 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14
7 1 Thess. 5:23
8 Rom. 7:18,23
9 Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:11
10 Rom. 7:23
11 Rom. 6:14
12 Eph. 4:15–16; 2 Cor. 3:18, 7:1
- CHAPTER 1:
Of the Holy Scriptures - CHAPTER 2:
Of God and the Holy Trinity - CHAPTER 3:
Of God’s Decree - CHAPTER 4:
Of Creation - CHAPTER 5:
Of Divine Providence - CHAPTER 6:
Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the punishment thereof - CHAPTER 7:
Of God’s Covenant - CHAPTER 8:
Of Christ the Mediator - CHAPTER 9:
Of Free Will - CHAPTER 10:
Of Effectual Calling - CHAPTER 11:
Of Justification - CHAPTER 12:
Of Adoption - CHAPTER 13:
Of Sanctification - CHAPTER 14:
Of Saving Faith - CHAPTER 15:
Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation - CHAPTER 16:
Of Good Works - CHAPTER 17:
Of the Perseveraance of the Saints - CHAPTER 18:
Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation - CHAPTER 19:
Of the Law of God - CHAPTER 20:
Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof - CHAPTER 21:
Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience - CHAPTER 22:
Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day - CHAPTER 23:
Of Lawful Oaths and Vows - CHAPTER 24:
Of the Civil Magistrate - CHAPTER 25:
Of Marriage - CHAPTER 26:
Of the Church - CHAPTER 27:
Of the Communion of Saints - CHAPTER 28:
Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper - CHAPTER 29:
Of Baptism - CHAPTER 30:
Of the Lord’s Supper - CHAPTER 31:
Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead - CHAPTER 32:
Of the Last Judgement