13. Of Sanctification

Paragraph 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 farther sanctified, really and personally,²²⁸ through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them;²²⁹ the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,²³⁰ and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,²³¹ and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,²³² to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.²³³

1. 228. Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5–6
2. 229. John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16–19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–23
3. 230. Romans 6:14
4. 231. Galatians 5:24
5. 232. Colossians 1:11
6. 233. 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14

Paragraph 2: This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man,²³⁴ yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part,²³⁵ whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.²³⁶

1. 234. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
2. 235. Romans 7:18, 23
3. 236. Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11

Paragraph 3: In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,²³⁷ yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;²³⁸ 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.²³⁹

1. 237. Romans 7:23
2. 238. Romans 6:14
3. 239. Ephesians 4:15–16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 7:1