WCF 13.2
Westminster Confession of Faith
13.2. Of Sanctification
This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part: whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
Proof texts
- 1 Thess. 5:23 — [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.
- 1 John 1:10 — [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
- Rom. 7:18, 23 — [18] For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. [23] but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
- Phil. 3:12 — [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
- Gal. 5:17 — [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
- 1 Pet. 2:11 — [11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Thess. 5:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q35 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 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 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): This Chapter teaches the following propositions : 1st. All of those in whom God has by regeneration sanctification. 2Qb created a new spiritual nature continue under his gracious influence, his Word and Spirit dwelling in them, and thus have the grace implanted in them developed more and more. 2d. This work of sanctification involves both the gradual destruction of the old body of sin and the quickening and strengthening of all the graces of the new man, and the inward purification of the heart and mind, as well as all those holy actions which proceed from them. 3d. This work of sanctification involves the entire man — intellect, affections and will, soul and body. 4th. It is never perfect in…
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): In Scripture, the word sanctification bears a variety of senses. It signifies separation from a common to a sacred use, or dedication to the service of God. Thus the altar, temple, priests, and all the sacred utensils, were sanctified. It also signifies purification from ceremonial defilement. — Heb, ix. 13. But the sanctification of believers, of which this chapter treats, consists in their purification from the pollution of sin, and the renovation of their nature after the image of God. Antinomians maintain, that believers are sanctified only by the holiness of Christ being imputed to them, and that there is no inherent holiness infused into them, nor required of them. This is a great and dangerous error; and, in opposition…