THURSDAY, JULY 13
Romans 7:18-25
Romans 7:24-25

"…who shall deliver me…?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…"

MEANING OF SANCTIFICATION (7)

The Westminster Confession of Faith (chapter XIII) gives us more understanding about sanctification:

1. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Cor 6:11, Acts 20:32, Phil 3:10, Rom 6:5–6) by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them (John 17:17, Eph 5:26, 2 Thess 2:13), the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed (Rom 6:6, 14), and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified (Gal 5:24, Rom 8:13), and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces (Col 1:11, Eph 3:16–19) to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (2 Cor 7:1, Heb 12:14).

2. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; (1 Thess 5:23) yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part; (1 John 1:10, Rom 7:18, 23, Phil 3:12) whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Gal 5:17, 1 Pet 2:11).

3. 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 doth overcome; (Rom 6:14, 1 John 5:4, Eph 4:15–16) and so, the saints grow in grace, (2 Pet 3:18, 2 Cor 3:18) perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).

Thus, with a sinful, deceitful, and wicked heart (Jer 17:9), it is vain for human beings to try their best to live a holy life if they have not been first regenerated or born again with a new heart and a new spirit! Knowing this truth, we will not be deceived by those who think and claim that they are saints when they have not been born again!

THOUGHT: Without regeneration, there is no true sanctification.
PRAYER: O Lord, I thank Thee for Thy work of regeneration.