Chapter 13

Of Sanctification

  1. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection; are also further sanctified, really and personally,1 through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them;2 the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and the several lusts thereof, are more and more weakened and mortified;4 and they more and more quickened, and strengthened in all saving graces,5 to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.6
  2. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man,7 yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part,8 whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.9
  3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail10 yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;11 and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ, as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed to them.12

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Footnotes:

1. Ac 20:32; Ro 6:5-6.
2. Jn 17:17; Eph 3:16-19; 1Th 5:21-23.
3. Ro 6:14.
4. Gal 5:24.
5. Col 1:11.
6. 2Co 7:1; Heb 12:14.
7. 1Th 5:23.
8. Ro 7:18,23.
9. Gal 5:17; 1Pe 2:11.
10. Ro 7:23.
11. Ro 6:14.
12. Eph 4:15-16; 2Co 3:18; 7:1.