Chapter XIII - Of Sanctification

I. 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,(Acts 20:32; Rom. 6:5,6) through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them(John 17:17; Eph. 3:16-19; 1 Thess. 5:21-23) the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,(Rom. 6:14) and the several lusts of it are more and more weakened and mortified,(Gal. 5:24) and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,(Col. 1:11) to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.(2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14)

II. This sanctification is throughout the whole man,(1 Thess. 5:23) yet imperfect in this life; there abides still some remnants of corruption in every part,(Rom. 7:18, 23) wherefrom arises a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.(Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:11)

III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,(Rom. 7:23) yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome;(Rom. 6:14) 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 has prescribed to them.(Eph. 4:15,16; 2 Cor. 3:18, 7:1)

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