1689 13.1

13.1. 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 vertue of Christ's death, and Resurrection; are also farther sanctified, really, and personally, through the same vertue, 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 weakned, and mortified; and they more and more quickened, and strengthned in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holyness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Proof texts

• Acts 20:32 — [32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
• Romans 6:5, 6 — [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
• John 17:17 — [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
• Ephesians 3:16-19 — [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 — [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil. [23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Romans 6:14 — [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
• Galatians 5:24 — [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
• Colossians 1:11 — [11] being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
• 2 Corinthians 7:1 — [1] Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
• Hebrews 12:14 — [14] Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Acts 20:32 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q35 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q36 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q35 · WSC Q36 · WLC Q75 · WLC Q76 · WLC Q77 · WLC Q78 · WCF 13.1 · WCF 13.2 · WCF 13.3 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 13.1 · SD 13.2 · SD 13.3