A. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 35 ("What is sanctification?") is answered as follows:
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.
B. Preliminary Observations concerning the Doctrine
1. The words translated "sanctify" appear to have four basis areas of meaning in Scripture:
a. "To acknowledge as holy"
b. "To set apart, consecrate to God"
c. "To purify, cleanse, make holy"
d. "To be holy"
2. Sanctification is spoken of in two basis aspects in Scripture: objective or positional sanctification, and subjective or experiential sanctification.
(1) Believers are called "saints" or "holy ones" some 61 times in the New Testament.
Romans 1:7 -- "to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints"
I Corinthians 1:2 -- "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling,"
Ephesians 1:1 -- "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:1 -- "Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons;"
Colossians 1:2 -- "to the saints and faithful brethren in christ who are at Colossae:"
Jude 3 -- "Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you content earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
(2) Sanctification is sometimes spoken of in the perfect tense, as an act accomplished in the past
I Corinthians 1:2 -- "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified ( - a perfect passive participle ) in Christ Jesus, saints by calling,"
Hebrews 10:10 -- "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Acts 26:18 -- "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me."
The Bible distinguishes three phases of subjective sanctification:
(1) Initial subjective sanctification (regeneration) -- an act
(2) Progressive subjective sanctification (growing conformity to the image of Christ) -- a process
(3) Complete or final subjective sanctification (perfection) -- as act
3. Justification and objective sanctification speak of the effect of Christ's saving work for us, whereas subjective sanctification speaks of the effect of Christ's saving work in us.
Justification produces a change in our relation to the law (our legal position). Objective sanctification produces a change in our relation to the character of God (our moral position). Subjective sanctification produces a change in our character and conduct (our moral condition or state).
4. In justification, God declares us to be righteous. In objective sanctification, God declares us to be holy. In subjective sanctification, God makes us holy.
Justification and objective sanctification are thus declaratory acts. Subjective sanctification is a transforming work.
5. Sanctification is a work of God's grace
a. Sanctification is a work of God
John 17:17 -- "Sanctify them by the truth; Thy word is truth."
I Corinthians 1:30-31 -- "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, 'Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"
Ephesians 5:25-26 -- "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word."
I Thessalonians 5:23 -- "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Titus 2:13-14 -- "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Hebrews 10:10, 14 -- "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. . . . For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."
Philippians 2:12-13 -- "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
b. Sanctification is a work of God's grace
Ephesians 2:8-10 -- "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Psalm 37:23-24 -- "The steps of a man are established by the Lord; And He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand."
Romans 8:29-30 -- "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."
Philippians 1:6 -- "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
6. Subjective sanctification begins with regeneration
A brief working definition
Regeneration is the impartation, by the Holy Spirit, of spiritual life to one spiritually dead. It is the spiritual renewal of the human spirit.
Continued under the Major Ministries of the Spirit to Believers.
7. Subjective sanctification is based on our union with Christ and with the benefits of His redemption, Romans 6:1-11, Colossians 3:1-12
8. Progressive subjective sanctification is effected by the agency of the indwelling Spirit of Christ
a. The Holy Spirit mortifies the evil elements in us, as we live more and more under His control
Romans 8:12-13 -- "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
b. The Holy Spirit makes alive the good elements in us, as we live more and more under His control
Galatians 5:16, 22-25 -- "But I say, walk by the Spirit . . . But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
9. Progressive sanctification is effected by means of the Word of God
John 17:17 -- "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth."
Psalm 19:7-11 -- "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward."
Psalm 119:9, 11, 104 -- "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. . . . Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. . . . From Thy precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way."
Psalm 1:2-3 -- "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."
II Timothy 3:16-17 -- "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
Ephesians 5:25-27 -- "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless."
I Peter 2:1-2 -- "Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."
10. Progressive subjective sanctification is conditioned on the response of obedient faith to the revealed will of God addressed to man's obedience (or, to the law of God, since the law of God is the will of God addressed to man's obedience in any dispensation)
Colossians 1:9-10 -- "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
I John 3:23 -- "And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us."
Romans 6:12-13 -- "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."
Romans 13:8-10 -- "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,' and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is a fulfillment of the law."
James 2:8-12 -- "If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, 'Do not commit murder.' Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty."
Romans 8:4, 7 -- "in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. . . . because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not even able to do so;"
James 4:11 -- "Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it."
James 1:22-25 -- "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does."
Galatians 5:13-14 -- "For you were called to freedom, brethren, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
What is the effect of obedient faith or disobedient unbelief on the progress of sanctification?
The effect of obedient faith in the Spirit (under the grace principle) is that the good elements of our moral nature are quickened and strengthened; our intellect, will, emotions, and conscience are quickened and purified; and the evil elements of our moral nature are weakened, mortified, further put to death, and yet never entirely in this life.
The effect of disobedient unbelief or obedience in the flesh (under the law principle) is that the evil elements of our moral nature are quickened and strengthened; our intellect, will, emotions, and conscience are further corrupted; and the good elements of our moral nature are weakened and mortified, yet never entirely in this life.
11. Subjective sanctification culminates in perfection
a. The scriptural teaching
(1) Subjective sanctification is never complete or entire in this life
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -- "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the spirit of our God."
Paul says to the Corinthians, "but you were sanctified." Yet in 3:3 he says, "For you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?"
II Corinthians 1:1 -- "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:"
Paul calls the Corinthian believers "saints." Yet in 7:1 he writes: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
I John 1:5-10 -- "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
(2) Conflict between the innate sin principle and the new principle of righteousness imparted in regeneration is inevitable and normal
Galatians 5:16-21 -- "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousings, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
(3) At death (or at Christ's coming, for those who are alive) the moral nature of the believer is made perfect
I Thessalonians 3:11-13 -- "Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our ways to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints."
Hebrews 12:22-23 -- "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect."
Here are human beings who were previously declared righteous on the basis of God's gift of Christ's righteousness during their earthly life; now they are envisioned as perfect in holiness in their disembodied state in the heavenly city of God!
Colossians 1:28 -- "And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ."
Hebrews 9:27-28 -- "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment; so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, not to bear sin, to those who eagerly await Him, for salvation."
Revelation 21:23, 27 -- "And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. . . . and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life."
In Romans 6:1-8:39 Paul deals with sanctification. But what is meant by "sanctification"? Sometimes in Scripture the idea of sanctification is purely objective or positional, as when persons or things are consecrated, set apart, or declared holy.
Other times in Scripture the idea of sanctification bears directly on the idea of deliverance from sin through the gospel. However, instead of dealing with deliverance from the guilt and penalty of transgression as in justification, sanctification in this subjective, experiential sense deals with deliverance from the power and presence of innate corruption or depravity.
Union with Christ is the key to our death to innate sin; union with Christ is the key to our new relationship to the Law; and union with Christ is the key to life to innate righteousness.
In Paul's teaching, union with Christ simply means "our saving relationship to Christ by faith." This union with Christ is brought about by the Holy Spirit, who unites us through faith to Jesus Christ and to the benefits of His atoning work. When Paul uses the expression "in Christ," he means that one is in saving relationship to Christ.
Spirit baptism is the act of the Holy Spirit in uniting us to Christ by faith. The Holy Spirit joins us to Christ and to the benefits of His atonement. This baptism is instrumental. It actually brings us into saving relationship to Christ and unites us to the benefits which He has purchased for us. And interestingly, water baptism can signify and symbolize this.
A. Step One in sanctification is recognizing and acting upon our new relationship to innate sin: that of death.
1. We are completely dead to the mastery of innate sin
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with {Him} in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also {in the likeness} of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with {Him,} that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
. . . 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace. . . .
18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. . . . 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. . . . 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.)
Sin is no longer our master! We are no longer its slaves!
2. We are to be progressively dying to the remaining power of innate sin. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin {as} instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members {as} instruments of righteousness to God. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone {as} slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able {to do so} ; 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh — 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
3. We have God's guarantee that we will one day be made completely dead to the power and very presence of innate sin,
Romans 8:19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for {our} adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it..
The ministries here referred to as "major" include four: regeneration, indwelling, filling, and fullness.
The word "regeneration"( paliggenesiva ) is used only twice in the Bible, in Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5. The Matthew reference refers to the end time, when things will be made new; the Titus reference speaks of the initial application of salvation, when the Spirit of God cleanses and makes new the believing sinner.
Regeneration is the impartation, by the Holy Spirit, of spiritual life to one who is spiritually dead.
The Bible reveals fallen man as spiritually dead and morally depraved. These two aspects of man's spiritual condition establish the necessity of regeneration.
1. Titus 3:5; 2. John 1:12-13; 3. John 3:1-8, (Incidentally, this is the classic passage in Scripture on the new birth); 4. I Peter 1:23; 5. I John 3:1-2; 6. I John 3:9-10; 7. I John 4:7; 8. I John 5:1;
9. I John 5:4-5; 10. I John 5:18
The new birth is that act of the Holy Spirit by which a human being is spiritually reborn, thereby becoming a spiritual child of God. This implies such a tragic flaw in man's spiritual nature that a radical rebirth of his spirit is necessary before he can live a life pleasing to God.
Aspect Two: Regeneration as a New Life
1. John 5:24; 2. I John 3:14-15; 3. Ephesians 2:1-6; 4. Colossians 2:13; Other passages that could be included under the aspect of a new life are John 6:53-63; II Corinthians 3:6, Galatians 3:21, and Romans 6:1-8:13.
The new life is that aspect of regeneration in which the spirit of a human being who is spiritually dead is, through union with Christ, made spiritually alive.
Aspect Three: Regeneration as a New Creation
1. Genesis 1:26-27; 2. II Corinthians 5:17; 3. Galatians 6:15; 4. Ephesians 2:10; 5. Colossians 3:10; 6. Ephesians 4:24
The new creation is that aspect of regeneration in which the spiritual and moral image ruined in the Fall is initially and progressively restored to the human spirit.
Aspect Four: Regeneration as a New Nature
1. I Corinthians 2:14; 2. Ephesians 2:3; 3. Ezekiel 36:26-27; 4. II Peter 1:4;
A nature is a substance with a set of attributes or characteristics.
5. Colossians 3:9; 6. Titus 3:5;
The new nature is that aspect of regeneration in which the moral and spiritual attributes of man's nature are initially and progressively renewed, and the direction of man's conduct is changed from an active disposition toward sin to an active disposition toward righteousness.
We can say that a new birth results in a new life, and a new creation results in a new nature.
Regeneration is that work of the Holy Spirit by which a human being is spiritually reborn in spirit, made spiritually alive, restored to God's image, and renewed in the moral and spiritual attributes of his nature, which renewal is manifested in his conduct by a prevailing tendency toward righteousness.
So it is with spiritual life. We can't see the Holy Spirit, but we can experience His effects in our lives.
The difference appears to be one of personal relationship: of Helper, Friend, Master, Consecrator, Assurer, Comforter, Sanctifier, Energizer, and Sustainer of spiritual life.
Relationships to the Unregenerate Relationships to the Regenerate
| An Enemy, A Stranger | A Friend, A Trusted Helper |
| An Undesirable Intruder | A Welcome Guest, Master of the House |
| A Convincer of God's reality, creatorhood, right to claim worship A | A Consecrator, who makes temples of human beings |
| Convincer of sin and judgment | An Assurer of salvation |
| A Convincer of Christ's righteousness | A Comforter, to witness concerning Christ's reality and presence |
| A Restrainer, who holds back sin | A Sanctifier and Energizer, who cleanses and empowers for godly living |
| A Convincer of spiritual death | A Sustainer of spiritual life |
Indwelling is that relationship which the Holy Spirit sustains to the believer subsequent to regeneration, in which relationship He helps, rules, consecrates, assures, comforts, sanctifies, empowers, and sustains the life imparted in regeneration. Indwelling is the Holy Spirit's continuance of that new relationship and ministry begun in regeneration.
Jn 14:16,17
(1) Unbelievers have no experiential knowledge of the Holy Spirit
("the world . . . is neither beholding Him or knowing
Him")
(2) Therefore unbelievers are not able to receive the Holy Spirit ("the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive")
(3) Christ's disciples have an experiential knowledge of the Holy Spirit ("you are knowing Him")
(4) Therefore Christ's disciples are able to receive the Holy Spirit. In fact, they have already received the Holy Spirit and He is already remaining with them ("You are knowing Him, because He is remaining with you")
(5) After Christ's departure from them into heaven, Christ's disciples will receive the Holy Spirit in the capacity of Comforter and Helper, and He will remain in (or among) them always ("He will give you another Comforter (or Helper), in order that He may be with you always -- the Spirit of truth ... He ... shall be in (or among) you") Jn 14:18, 25-26;15:26; 16:6,7
The Spirit of God, who was already related to them in various ways, would come to them in a new relationship, to comfort and help them after their Master was gone.
I Samuel 16:14, Psalm 51:11
It simply implies the rejection of Saul as king, and the loss of
the Spirit as Anointer for kingly service.
And David's prayer that the Father not take the Holy Spirit from him implies nothing about the loss of the Spirit's presence. It simply tells us that David was asking not to be rejected as king of Israel, and not to be cast away from God's presence in the sense of God's favor.
Effects of the Holy Spirit's Work of Indwelling in My Life
(1) I am assured that I have been born again
(2) My bondage to my sinful nature is broken
(3) I am an adopted son of God, and enjoy a filial relationship to God
(4) I do not belong to myself, but to God
(5) My body is a temple of God
(6) I am part of the spiritual house that God is building
(7) I am marked with a seal, God's pledge of the completion of salvation in my life. This pledge or seal is the Holy Spirit Himself.
(8) In the Holy Spirit I have the needed resident power for the strengthening of the inner man
(9) My unutterable groanings are expressed by the Spirit in prayer
(10) I am enabled to understand Scripture
(11) God's love is poured out in my heart
(12) My mortal body will one day be resurrected and transformed
Ephesians 5:18, Acts 2:4-6, 12-18
The idea of being under the influence of wine, as contrasted with being filled by the Holy Spirit, is found in both Ephesians 5:18 and Acts 2:15. Unless the contrast of filling with drunkenness in both places is purely coincidental, then the idea of filling appears to mean to be under the influence or control of the Holy Spirit, rather than to be under the influence or control of wine.
Satan and the demons at various times influence, empower, and overpower human beings. Note the following Scriptures: Acts 5:3, Luke 22:3, Matthew 8:16, Incidentally, the classic passage on demon possession is Mark 5:1-20.
The Holy Spirit's ministry of filling refers to His temporary control or possession of the faculties and powers of a person's being, in order to enable that person to accomplish some specific task or service for God.
(Under "faculties of a person's being" we would include the intellect, the emotions, the will, the conscience, and the senses. Under "powers of a person's being" we would include believing, thinking, reasoning, knowing, discriminating, feeling, desiring, purposing, deciding, evaluating, judging, and contacting and manipulating the physical world.)
Numbers 11:25-29, Judges 14:5-6, I Samuel 10:6, 10, Isaiah 11:1-2, Joel 2:28-29, Matthew 3:11, Luke 4:1, 18, Luke 11:13, Acts 1:5, Notice also the non-technical nature of the terms used to describe this great event: "baptism" (Matthew 3:11); "filling" (Acts 2:4); "pouring out" or "pouring forth" (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 2:33). Acts 19:1-7,
Ephesians 5:18 In the context the command appears to be dealing more with godly conduct of life rather than with temporary enablement to accomplish some task or service for God. Acts 6:3, 5; Acts 13:52,
These Scriptures retain the idea of influence or possession or control that we saw in those that speak of filling, but add the idea of a more permanent condition or state. In such a state the Spirit's control would probably vary in extent and degree from time to time, and would of necessity require the prior indwelling of the Spirit, which in turn would require prior regeneration.
The fullness of the Spirit refers to the indwelling Spirit's continuous control, in varying degrees and to varying extents, of the moral and spiritual development and mode of expression, internal and external, of a person's faculties and powers.
FILLING FULLNESS
presupposes no prior ministry of the Spirit presupposes the Spirit's ministries of regeneration and indwelling
is intermittent and relatively brief is continuous and extended
specifies the use of human faculties and powers specifies the development of moral and spiritual qualities
usually involves the extraordinary enablement of the Spirit usually involves the ordinary enablement of the Spirit
is related to some task or service for God is related to progressive sanctification
(a) Surrender to the Lordship of Christ and to the leading of the Spirit (since control and influence are central to both filling and fullness).
(b)Repentance of all known sin (since sin hinders and grieves the Spirit's working through us, and His development of our moral character).
(c) Believing prayer for the Holy Spirit to fill us, to take possession of our faculties, and to fill and control our lives.
First of all, do we desire the filling of the Spirit? If we wish to serve Christ acceptably, the answer must be "Yes!" The Holy Spirit must take possession and control of our thoughts, our feelings, our senses, our will, so that we can do the will of God in His power, for His purposes, and for His glory.
If we wish to avoid attempting to do God's work in our own strength, by means of our own natural abilities, to accomplish our own purposes, and to secure our own glory; then we must be filled with the Spirit! The filling of the Spirit to enable us to do God's work is not a luxury, but a necessity!
What is the goal that we as Christians should aim for?
Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things: enter into the joy of your master. Matt. 25:21
This should be the Christian's goal - to be commended on Judgment Day for having been a good and faithful servant of the LORD. What a joy that will be, to have used our lives and our gifts wisely. Certainly the best that we can do is only what we should do (Luke 17:10 `We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'), but how great of the LORD to choose to reward us if we are faithful with what we have been given now.
It is with this goal in mind that we want to approach the problems of this life; we want to solve them in such a way so as to really glorify the LORD.
But how do we know what will glorify the LORD? Do we just do whatever we think is right, or has God given us any instructions?
2 Tim. 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. See also Prov. 22:20
Ps. 19:7 The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Ps. 119:24, 66, 98-100
Plainly God is exhorting us: if we want to be wise and make wise decisions (and enjoy the blessings of being wise), we must study the Scriptures continually. We will then be thoroughly equipped, and complete.
In practical terms, we can be like the Psalmist (Psalms 119:98-99) by reading the Scriptures every day. Just as we would not read a novel at the rate of one favorite sentence a day, so we should read rapidly to see context - and get into it. This usually takes at least a half hour. Is this so hard? The Psalmist loved and obeyed the Scriptures because he loved the Lord. If He has given us everything we need to be complete and healthy Christians in the Scriptures, it certainly is not 'spiritual' to ignore them, because then we might make the severe mistake of doing something that the Lord has clearly commanded us NOT to do.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you.
(Ps. 119:11)
Examples of how knowledge of Scripture can keep us out of trouble:
1) Counter-signing a friend's check. (Prov. 17:18)
2) Knowing that humans are basically inclined to evil. (Gen. 6:5, Gen. 8:21)
(1 Sam. 23:1-12)
"that the man of God may be complete” does not mean that we can find the specific answers to our math problem set in the Bible. God illustrates principles and examples (1 Cor. 10:11). This is really challenging, since God does not apparently want us to be robots, but rather, He wants us to learn from the Scriptures the guidelines so that we can glorify Him creatively.
A. Prov. 21:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
We MUST NOT disobey the Lord - no matter how loving, or intellectual a rationalization we can generate. When the Lord has given us clear commandments that bear on a problem, we must not ignore them.
Matt. 7:24-27 We should build our lives on the rock of God's commandments.
B. Get Wisdom . . . Get understanding! Prov. 4:7 This is the key to a fruitful life.
Prov. 15:28 The heart of the righteous [studies/ponders/ meditates] how to answer,. . .
Short definition: Wisdom is the ability to make a good decision based on incomplete data. This starts with a proper fear of the LORD: Prov. 9:10
We should strive for wisdom by heeding good teaching:
Prov. 2:1, 2 Prov. 4:1-4 Prov. 9:8, 9
If we lack it, we should ask the Lord for it: James 1:5 Prov. 2:6-7
The fruits of wisdom are tremendous in this life (Prov. 3:13-18) and in the next (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3).
1) love reproof, instruction Prov. 9:8 Prov. 17:10
2) James 3:13-18 Godly wisdom does not make a person proud and arrogant, rather, it tends to make their character pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
3) A wise man is a real soul-winner (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3).
C. God has given each of us special gifts, talents, and opportunities.
Matt. 25:14-30 We should use them!
Gal. 6:10 Eph. 5:16
1 Cor. 4:7 We should not boast about our situation. Everything that we have is a gift from God; we are responsible to wisely invest our lives so as to bear the most fruit (Matt. 25:29).
Be creative! Mark 2:3-5 Try to come up with new ways to succeed. (Within the Lord's commandments - 2 Tim. 2:5).
D. Work HARD - as unto the Lord. Col. 3:17, 23-24 Prov. 10:5
Work so as to succeed - BE GOAL ORIENTED: 1 Cor. 9:24-27
We should have spiritual goals that spill over into the secular world and make us hard-working, resourceful, and faithful in our work.
Many Christians lead a 'random walk' life, with no real aspirations or using of their gifts. They say that God is leading them "one step at a time". Certainly we do live sequentially and should be open for special opportunities that the Lord provides, but there is no inkling in Scripture that Paul lived this way:
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air . . . (1 Cor. 9:26)
WE should be striving to plug in our gifts as much as the Lord in His providence allows.
Luke 14:28-32
The Lord expects us to use 'common sense' and count the cost before we embark on a project, to see if we can do it. We should have a realistic view of our strengths and weaknesses, since we can then judge what we can and cannot do.
Luke 22:35-36: And He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one.
The Lord expects us also to live responsibly (Titus 2:11-13, Prov. 20:25).
Note: Jesus does not teach us to expect miracles (see context around Luke 22:35 to see this), or that "spiritual" way to live is to "step out in faith" on a matter expecting God to come to our aid by doing some miracle. THIS IS TEMPTING THE LORD! Clearly in this passage Jesus is teaching us to be mature and responsible, able to look after ourselves as much as possible.
Prov. 22:3 Prov. 14:16
Do so while there is still time to use the counsel.
Prov. 15:22 Talking over plans with wise, reliable people who have gone through similar situations, and may have ideas that you have not considered, is one Scriptural way to gain experience without having to make mistakes.
Prov. 20:18
Prov. 12:15 Be wise enough to seek good advise and use it. Do not go around after you have committed yourself, seeking to be patted on the back. This is not seeking counsel, it is seeking an ego boast.
In the local church.
Why? Heb. 10:24-25 Where else can you find people who are genuinely trying to stimulate you to love and good deeds? Particularly, the pastor and elders - these men have these special offices because of their wisdom and ability to solve problems. Consult them!
Our ultimate goal is to receive the "well done, thou good and faithful servant" of Matt. 25:21. How can we be assured of receiving this reward?
Prov. 11:30 He who wins souls is wise. Work to get people saved (Dan. 12:3).
1 Cor. 3:9-14 We, and particularly pastors, should work to build converts into solid, mature Christians. We should not be content to run around in crusades barely saving people. There are great rewards for having a careful ministry to the saved as well as to the unsaved.
Matt. 6:33 Jesus reminds us that if we put His interests first, He will watch out for ours.
1 Cor. 9:19-27 -- Paul gives up his rights and meets men where they are in order to save some of them. He works hard so as to succeed; he subjects himself to his goals so that he can persevere in his labor.
Col. 3:1-4 Col. 3:5-25
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things below. Col.3:2
Paul bases his teachings on how we should conduct our lives on an eternal perspective.
Matt. 8:22 -- People who want to finish lesser things before they follow (obey) Christ miss the main goal of their lives.
2 Kings 5:26 -- After Elisha refused expensive gifts from Naaman, whom he had healed, Elisha's servant greedily goes back to collect the gifts. Upon his return to Elisha, he is rebuked: "Is it a time to receive money and to receive clothes and oliveyards and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female servants?" The servant traded the larger prize for serving the Lord for the smaller temporal rewards.
THEREFORE:
A. Get your sights on the ultimate goal ("Well done . . .").
B. Keep your mind on the Lord's interests (Matt. 6:33).
C. Take stock of your talents, and work out a career which uses your gifts in a way that will yield the maximum fruit for the Lord (both among the lost and the saved).
D. Get the eternal perspective on what your life should produce.
E. In making plans, be careful not to get proud about them. Remember that it is the Lord who will make you bring those plans to pass (James 4:13-16), or who will bring better plans into your life. Be flexible enough to recognize and work toward a better vision if you should see one.
Most of our decisions are day-to-day choices that seem to have little bearing on our overall goals. This is not really the case; it is important to make these decisions profitably.
Neh. 6:3 While Nehemiah was directing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, some tricky men invited him to meet with them to talk. His reply: "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" Like Nehemiah, after you have decided on the best way to spend your life smaller decisions should be made so as to best support the success of the larger vision.
Prov. 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence - out of it come the main factors that can influence our lives.
Prov. 13:6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
Heb. 5:13-14 He who uses the milk of the word is unskilled in the Scriptures. Solid food is for those who, out of use, have their senses trained to discern both good and evil.
The ability to make wise decisions is closely associated with a thorough understanding of Scripture. Good decision making depends on the state of the heart. If you have been diligent to learn the Scriptures and to obey them, you are being trained to make good decisions.
2 Thess. 2:10 The deceitfulness of unrighteousness. If you skew your view of what is right so as to continue in a certain sin, your view of reality is twisted. Can you expect good decisions to come out of a distorted model of truth? The will of God is our sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3); this should be our goal also.
Precaution: The basic thrust of the preceding verses is that, when we actively pursue our sanctification, our minds and hearts are cleansed so that it is easier for us to make the right (godly) choices. But do not imagine that, because you think that you have been keeping your heart, any decision that you make is a good one. Search the Scriptures and seek counsel.
Prov. 28:26 - He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.
Discipline and self-control are important character traits to develop. The one who has these qualities has a stability of personality that enables him to make good decisions.
Prov. 25:28 He who has no rule over his spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. He is prey to any passing worry, emotion or pressure.
James 1:12 The man who endures temptation shall receive the crown of life.
Many of the decisions that we make are not really covered in Scripture at all. (i.e. What kind of shoes should I buy?) Here are some criteria to consider in making decisions in these "gray areas."
1) Will what you decide to do master you (become a habit or idol)?
1 Cor. 6:12 - Paul says he will not be mastered by anything.
2) Will it make a Christian brother to stumble?
1 Cor. 8:10-13 - If a brother imitates you in doing something (not in itself wrong) that he has non-Scriptural ethical standards against, he defiles his conscience.
3) Will it make an unbeliever to stumble?
1 Cor. 10:23, 33 - Paul says that he seeks the profit of many that they may be saved, not his own wealth.
Rom. 2:17-24 - Unbelievers blaspheme the Lord's name because of hypocritical believers living in sin.
4) Will it defile your conscience?
Rom. 14:20, 23 - To do something (not in itself wrong) while doubting its rightness defiles your conscience and is sin.
Consider carefully the effects that your small decisions have on your heart, your brothers, your unsaved acquaintances, and on your larger vision for your life.
We are warned in Scripture against taking our inclinations and feelings and labeling them as God's voice speaking to us.
Prov. 28:26 - He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.
Prov. 16:2 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.
Prov. 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man but its end is the way of death.
Prov. 21:16 - A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest (remain) in the assembly of the dead.
Despite these warnings there are some who take Scripture out of context to try to support their theory that subjective decisions are the Lord's direct revelation to them. Let us look at these verses in their context.
Ps. 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go; I will guide you with my eye.
The Lord is said to guide his believers with the glances of his eye, to which his sensitive believers will respond moment by moment. . This verse is not about general guidance, the context is dealing with david turning to God and confessing his sin to the Lord; In the same way, God will prick our conscience and will give us heavy hearts until we confess our sin to Him just like He did to David. The glance of His eye is like a father or mother looking at their child in such a way that they feel guilty and know they should confess their sin to their parent and be forgiven. The next verse deals with those who won't listen to the look of the eye (the prick of the conscience) but needs more servere discipline.
Ps. 32:9 -Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
We are instructed not to abandon understanding, but that the Lord will instruct, teach and counsel us. We in turn will obey him by confessing and forsaking our sin.
Ps 101:6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.
(cf. Prov. 4:7 - Get wisdom, get understanding). We get wisdom by fearing the Lord and listening to sound instruction (doctrine), not by seeing how we feel about things.
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Prov. 3:5, 6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.
By this verse, the Lord is said to tell us not to rely on our own reasoning, but to acknowledge that the Lord is in control of our lives, and He will lead us through the ways that He will have us to go. Let us go back a few verses to get the context here as well.
Prov. 3:1 - My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments.
We are not to rely on our understanding to the extent that we would be drawn away from God's teaching and commandments into our own way of living (the context of verse 1 clearly shows this). We are however exhorted in Scripture to get understanding and not to leave understanding. (Prov. 4:7; Prov. 21:16). To study Scriptural principles so that we can use them in solving problems is to lean on the Lord's wisdom, not our own understanding. "He will direct your paths" means God will prosper your efforts; the NIV translation is clearer “he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 11:5).
John 10:3-5, 27 The context is not personal guidance in making decisions. The point is that Christians do not follow false teachers or false teaching (9:40, 41; 10:6, 13).
John 14:26, 16:12, 13 These promises are addressed directly to the apostles to whom they were spoken. Guidance into "all truth" surely cannot mean omniscience, but all we need to lead Godly lives. The promise of future revelation to the apostles finds its fulfillment in the writings of the New Testament.
1 John 2:20, 21, 26, 27 All we believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (Rom. 8:9) and thus need no special, inspired teacher to interpret Scripture for us, for example. The Spirit commends the Bereans in Acts 17:11 for checking all even the apostle Paul's teaching against the Bible (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15). The Spirit gives us the ability to understand spiritual truths (1 Cor. 2:12-16) although lack of growth may hinder this development (1 Cor. 3:1-3, Hebrews 5:11-14). These passages refer to God-given wisdom.
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Isa. 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
In this verse, it is said, the Lord promises His people that He will give them special moment by moment revelation telling them what they should do. Once again, however, context clears up the meaning of the passage.
Isa. 30:20 - Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.
By backing up just one verse, we see that the voice telling God's people what to do is that of their teachers, surrounding God's people with counsel and admonition.
Rom. 8:14 - For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? Should the sons of God expect to receive constant guidance from the Holy Spirit? If they do not, is there something awry in their spiritual lives?
What can clear up these questions? Let us look at the context of this verse.
Much of the chapter of Rom. 8 speaks about two groups of people.
1) Those who set their mind on the flesh:
a) They walk according to the flesh. (vs. 4)
b) They are dead. (vs. 6)
c) They are hostile to God. (vs. 7)
d) They are not Christians. (vs. 9)
2) Those who set their minds on the Spirit:
a)They walk according to the Spirit. (vs. 4)
b) They have life and peace. (vs. 6)
c) The Spirit of God dwells in them. (vs. 9)
d) They belong to Christ. They are Christians. (vs. 9)
Verse 9 is a crucial one. It contains 2 statements in it:
If the Spirit of God dwells in you, then you are in the Spirit.
Another way of saying this which is entirely equivalent to the above statement (called its contrapositive) is:
If you are not in the Spirit, then the Spirit of God does not dwell in you.
The second statement contained in verse 9 is:
If you do not have the Spirit of Christ, you do not belong to Him.
This can also be expressed (as above):
If you belong to Christ, then you have His Spirit.
To say that there is any Christian who is not in the Spirit, is to say that the Spirit of God does not dwell in him and that he does not belong to Christ. So all Christians are in the Spirit as Paul means "in the Spirit" in this passage. In vs. 14, Paul further clarifies who this group "in the Spirit" is comprised of - the sons of God. To be "led by the Spirit" means to be a Christian. It means that you are putting to death the deeds of the body (vs. 13). It means that you are being sanctified.
This point is clarified in
Ps. 119:9 - How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.
Sanctification occurs as a Christian submits himself to obedience to the Word of God, which is the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). This is what it means to be "led by the Spirit," not to be receiving special revelation from God by feelings. God has said in 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 and in Ps. 119:9 that He has already revealed enough in His work to fulfill His purpose in the lives of His people.
One final note is in order. After you've searched the Scriptures for advice in a problem you are having, after you've sought wise counsel, after you've prayed for wisdom and you are still not sure of what to do, and the deadline for the decision is fast approaching, is then there room for asking for guidance as well as wisdom? Let us examine once again this promise from the Lord in James 1:5.
James 1:5, 6 - But of any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.
The Lord has promised here to give you what you need to make your decision, if you ask in faith. If anyone starts fearing that the Lord won't give him enough wisdom and starts asking for guidance to make up for the lack of wisdom, do not let that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord. (However, we should not take our first thought after praying for wisdom as special revelation from God, or even as necessarily the correct answer.) But based on this promise from the Lord, after you've sought out the best counsel and have prayed for wisdom, make your best decision on the issue in the realization that God has given you the wisdom He deems necessary for you to make your decision according to His will for your life. You can have peace about the outcome, because the Lord has promised believers in Jesus Christ that all things work out for their good (Rom. 8:28). You must be careful, however, because some of the Lord's providence can be to let you make a mistake so that you learn how not to make more mistakes in the future. Realizing that the Lord is in wise control of all events; as you are earnestly seeking wisdom, you can have peace about and be thankful for these lessons as well.
1) Have specific, godly goals for investing your life fruitfully. Be goal oriented.
2) Strive to keep all the Lord's
commandments, not just your favorite ones. Both the don'ts
and
the do's.
3) Seek wisdom and wise counsel; be provident, sensible and creative.
4) Beware of misusing your freedom in Christ to cause others to stumble.
5) Read and heed the Scriptures! This is God's way for us to become truly wise.
6) Do not interpret your emotions as the voice of God.
God has a really great future planned for us with Him. He is making us into sons and daughters in the likeness of Christ. God's plan for our sanctification is better than any "quickie" three-step approach to solving our problems. In God's plan, as we face providentially graded problems that challenge our minds and our obedience, and as we reason creatively with the above principles to overcome these challenges, we grow into the mature, creatively obedient people who can best exhibit God's righteousness and enjoy His glory in heaven forever.