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Q35. What is sanctification?

Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Proof texts

• 2 Thess. 2:13 — [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
• Eph. 4:23-24 — [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
• Rom. 6:4,6 — [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [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.
• Rom. 8:1 — [1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Thess. 2:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WLC Q75 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q76 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q75 · WLC Q76 · WLC Q77 · WLC Q78 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5