XIV. Sanctification in Puritan Theology

A. The idea of sanctification

1. Sanctification is rooted in the essence of God

2. Sanctification involves both status and condition

3. Sanctification is work of renewal that is comprehensive and moral

4. Sanctification must be expressed in repentance and righteousness

B. The agent of sanctification

1. The Triune, covenant God

2. The special domain of the Holy Spirit

C. The object of sanctification

1. The believer as a human individual

2. The believer as fallen and disordered

3. The believer as redeemed and justified

D. The activity of sanctification

1. Mortification

2. Vivification

E. The measure of sanctification

1. The third use of the law

2. The Christian’s relationships

F. The method of sanctification

1. From God’s side

a. The Word and the Spirit

b. The intercession of Christ

2. From man’s side

a. Faith and repentance

b. Using the means of grace

i. Private disciplines

aa. Read, search, and sing the Scriptures

bb. Meditate on the Scriptures

cc. Pray and work

dd. Reading sound literature

ee. Listening to sermons

ff. Journaling (diary-keeping)

ii. Family disciplines

aa. Family worship

bb. Family fellowship

cc. Family hospitality/evangelism

iii. Corporate disciplines

aa. Diligently use the preached Word

bb. Diligently use the sacraments

cc. Seek fellowship in the church

dd. Sanctify the Lord’s Day

iv. Neighborly disciplines

aa. Evangelize and serve others

bb. Flee worldliness

cc. Exercise stewardship

v. Conclusion: Develop formula for godly living

G. The benefits of and motives for sanctification

1. Helps us to glorify God and for our good

2. Increases our personal assurance of election and of faith

3. Assists in heightening our standard of behavior

4. Improves our graces

5. Provides stability in hours of temptation

6. Promotes an understanding of the brevity of life

7. Makes us resemble God and preserves our integrity

8. Undergirds our effective service for God

9. Fits us for heaven

H. The joys of sanctification

1. The supreme joy: fellowship with God

2. The ongoing joy: abiding assurance

3. The anticipated joy: Eternal, gracious reward

I. Concluding advice

1. Let us seek the twin graces of self-examination and watchfulness

2. Let us seek to be godly men of balance in every sphere of our lives

3. Let us seek to be motivated by a childlike fear of God

4. Let us seek to mortify pride and cultivate humility

5. Let us seek to extol Christ

6. Let us seek to end in Christ with all our afflictions and discouragement

7. Let us seek to persevere pursuing sanctified hearts from Christ’s strength