WCF 13.3
Westminster Confession of Faith
13.3. Of Sanctification
In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Proof texts
- Rom. 7:23 — [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.
- Rom. 6:14 — [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
- 1 John 5:4 — [4] For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.
- Eph. 4:15, 16 — [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
- 2 Pet. 3:18 — [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
- 2 Cor. 3:18 — [18] And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
- 2 Cor. 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.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Rom. 7:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 7 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…