Doctrinal Statement

Sanctification

We teach that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is thereby declared to be holy and is therefore identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition. (Acts 20:32, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 10:10, 14, Hebrews 13:12, 1 Peter 1:2)

We teach that there is also by the work of the Holy Spirit a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the standing the believer positionally enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 17:17, 19, Romans 6:1-22, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

In this respect, we teach that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict – the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh – but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin. (Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 3:12, Colossians 3:9-10, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 John 3:5-9)