Sanctification
This podcast begins a series of teachings on the Christian life. This topic is generally not included in a biblical theology, but it is important in our everyday life, so we include it in this podcast. This series of lessons will help you to summarize in your mind what the Bible says about how we serve God in a obedient way in our everyday life and gain His rich scriptural rewards through the power of the spirit. Enjoy!
The Foundation for a Christian life
The term Christian life roughly refers to how we live as a believer. Our Christian life is vital to gain and know the fruit of the Holy Spirit, derived from obedience, as well as to serve our Savior who saved us (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:12; Romans 12:1-2). Importantly, two preconditions exist to enjoy the Christian life.
The preconditions: Salvation and assurance
- Being saved by grace by faith alone is the key to opening the door of living the Christian life. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:9). Read more at Salvation Explanation.
- Security of salvation, as we can only adequately live a fruitful Christian life when we are confident of our salvation (1 Peter 1:4-5; Romans 8:28-39). Read more at Security of Salvation.
If a person does not believe In Christ to salvation, they do not have the understanding or capacity to live the Christian life (Romans 3:10-18). Further, if we are not convinced that God keeps our salvation then we will not have the confidence to life as a Christian and serve God. Based on these two foundations, how the does the Bible tell us to live the Christian life?
Progressing from salvation to live the Christian life (Hebrew 6:1-2)
How do we then mature in our faith after salvation?
Three sanctifications – Critical to understanding the Christian life are the three different sanctifications. These are defined in the Dallas Theological Seminary doctrinal statement and are very useful. Sanctification as a term is defined by our setting apart as holy to God.
- First or past sanctification – This is legal holiness based on our forgiveness of sins by Christ’s death in the cross through faith. We are created new beings in Christ who can serve him (Romans 6:2-11; Titus 3:5).
- Second or present sanctification – This describes our actions, by which become holy as we live a life of faith and obedient in our service to God throughout our lifetime (Romans 6-12-16; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:4-10).
- Third or future sanctification – This is the change in our bodies at the rapture that become holy; completing the sanctification process (1 Corinthians 15:49ff).
Importantly, the three sanctifications are separate in implementation and do not mix.
- Transition from first to second sanctification – When Christ was resurrected to new life He then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 8:1). This action signified that His glorious work in bringing salvation to man was finished. His sacrifice was sufficient for all sins for all time and did not need to be repeated (Hebrews 10:10-19). His sacrificial work being complete, Christ now heads continuously the church and helps believers in their Christian life.
- Likewise, as Christians when we believed on salvation and received forgiveness (Romans 3:23-26) it is once for all time. We also were resurrected to new life and sit at the right hand of God the Father with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9). Consequently, our work of being saved is finished. We now serve Christ continuously through the church (second sanctification). We do not need to revisit our first sanctification.
- So as Christ was resurrected to new life we also are resurrected to new life through Him (Romans 6:2-9). As Christ’s saving work was finished on the cross, so our process to salvation was finished at conversion. As new regenerated person we are now able and free to serve Him, unburdened with insecurities over the security of our salvation or if God may not accept us for some sin.
- Transition from the 2nd to the 3rd sanctification – When Christ comes again in the clouds to take his church home our bodies will be changed instantaneously to a heavenly body (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:49-54). This separates us from our Christian life for those who are still living in our sanctification is complete.
So, by definition, in the Christian life we have progressed from the first to the second sanctification. It is based upon the fact that you have been saved by grace through the blood of Christ with your sins forgiven. In addition, we have been given the positions of being placed in God’s family, found innocent by the blood of Christ, sealed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. These unalterable promises and being changed into a new person provide a security to salvation and confidence in our relationship with God.
Therefore, we move forward in the Christian life serving God with confidence and joy.
Disclaimer – This podcast is provided as information only and is intended for listeners 18 and older. No podcast content should be taken as advice or recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Teleios. The podcast is subject to change at any time without notice. Although the podcaster endeavors to ensure current and accurate content, it may contain errors and is not presented as current, accurate, complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. The podcaster does not accept any liability for the podcast or any other information (or the use of such information) provided. The speaker does not hold a seminary degree, but is self-trained in the scriptures. Specific questions should be directed to experts in the field of theology.
