Sanctification

SANCTIFICATION

SANCTIFICATION is a Bible subject, and as such it demands our serious attention. The importance of this subject appears from the fact that it is God’s will that we should be sanctified. Says inspiration: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The object of God in giving a revelation to man, was to sanctify a people unto himself; and as many as have spoken and written by inspiration, have dwelt on the necessity of sanctification. SLH 5.1

Anciently God commanded his people to be holy. Leviticus 11:44. Jesus prayed the Father to sanctify his followers, and those who should believe on him through their word, and died that a people might be sanctified unto God; John 17:17, 19; Hebrews 12:2; and under this dispensation the Lord says, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” 1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14. In the face of these plain truths, it cannot be expected that those who love the Bible will be disposed to let this subject pass unnoticed. SLH 5.2

In the holy Scriptures, sanctification sometimes consists in setting apart or consecrating to a sacred or religious use. In this sense the seventh day, the first-born, mount Sinai, the priests, the sanctuary and its utensils, the temple at Jerusalem, and the prophets, were sanctified. Genesis 2:3; Exodus 13:2; 19:2, 3; 28-30; 2 Chronicles 29:7; Jeremiah 1:5. In this sense even Christ was sanctified, when he was set apart to the work of man’s redemption. John 10:36; John 17:19. SLH 5.3

Sanctification consists, moreover, in cleansing from sin, in making pure and holy that which is impure and unholy. In this sense Christians are sanctified, and in the progress of their sanctification, there is a setting apart to holy purposes—a self-consecration to the glory of God. SLH 6.1

The depravity of our race is the doctrinal fact upon which rests the necessity of our being sanctified. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. All are naturally inclined to love the ways of sin and to do evil. The power of sin has so affected the human family, that they may, in their natural state, be called the servants of sin. But sanctification purifies and alienates us from the dominion of sin; destroys the corrupt propensities of our fallen natures; rectifies our affections and inclinations, and brings our entire beings into subjection to the will of God, so that we may properly be called the servants of righteousness. SLH 6.2

This is indeed a great work, and the Scriptures plainly teach that God sanctifies his people. Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12; John 17:17; Hebrews 2:11. God graciously provides and urges the means of sanctification, and helps his people to use them. It is impossible for man to devise means whereby he can sanctify himself, or to attain to holiness by his own strength. Man must accept the means which God has devised, and the gracious assistance which he affords. SLH 6.3

The plan of God is such that we must co-operate with him in this work. This is seen in the following texts: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.” Leviticus 20:7, 8. “Cleanse your hands ye sinners, and purify your hearts ye double-minded.” “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure.” “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” James 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:1; John 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. SLH 6.4

From this view of the subject, it is evident that we cannot be sanctified, or become holy, without making special efforts to overcome sin. If men could be sanctified irrespective of the course they pursue, we might conclude that sanctification depends wholly on the will of God; and as God is no respecter of persons, we might also conclude that if he sanctifies one he will sanctify all, and that all mankind will be saved. SLH 7.1

It is also evident that those greatly err who think that sanctification rests solely in the power of men, and that they can of themselves turn from sin to holiness. To say the least, they do not realize the depth of their degradation and misery, and have not felt the force of this humbling truth, that they are carnal, sold under sin. SLH 7.2

Sanctification is effected through the truth. Says Christ, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.... And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” “Now ye are clean through the word that I have spoken unto you.” John 17:17, 19; John 15:3. And Peter says, “Seeing ye have purified your hearts in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Peter 1:22. SLH 7.3

Genuine sanctification follows the channel of Bible truth. It is not grounded on flights of feeling, but on the immutable truths of God’s word. It is the truth received through the mind, and practically carried out in the life. When the truth is thus received and carried out, there is a radical work, a change indeed; and those who receive and obey the truth are not destitute of good feeling. They have an inward satisfaction for well-doing, and enjoy the approbation and blessing of the Lord to encourage and strengthen them in their great and glorious work. SLH 8.1

Some would try to evade the truth with the idea that they have the Spirit, and consequently the sanctification of the Spirit. But what is the leading office of the Spirit that sanctifies? It is to guide into the truth. Said Christ, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” John 17:13. The Spirit and the truth agree. The Spirit is the great agent that God employs in sanctifying men. Hence Bible sanctification is called the sanctification of the Spirit. 1 Peter 1, 2. The Spirit helps our infirmities. It helps us to understand, receive and practice the truth. Therefore that spirit which is not in harmony with the truths of God’s word is not the sanctifying Spirit of truth, and the sanctification which is based on the leadings and teachings of such a spirit is a false one. SLH 8.2

Sanctification is a progressive work. Says Paul, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1. Those whom Paul is here addressing were Christians, yet they needed to cleanse themselves and perfect holiness or sanctification. The same sentiment is expressed in the following texts: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God.” Hebrews 6:6. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14. SLH 8.3

2 Peter 1:5-9: “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things, is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged form his old sins.” SLH 9.1

In this passage the apostle addresses those who have obtained like precious faith, (verse 1,) and urges a progressive advancement in holiness toward completeness in the Christian character. In conversion a blow is struck at the corrupt propensities of fallen human nature, and a great change takes place. But the work of sanctification is not then complete. The young convert stands on the platform of faith. He has seen sin in its true light, has repented of his sins, and has been cleansed from the same by faith in the merits and efficacy of the blood of Christ, and now rejoices in his Saviour. But he must advance in holiness by adding to his faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge and the rest of the Christian graces. SLH 9.2

Thus it appears that sanctification is not the work of a moment. It is to be regretted that some, believing sanctification to be an instantaneous work, will fall back on some past blessing or excitement, and will even affirm that they have been months and years in a state of perfect love without committing a single sin, and scoff at the idea that they can be in a better condition, in a holier state. The spirit of such, is different from that of many pious and devoted men and women in the past, who often wept over the remains of inbred sin, and in whose lives we trace progress in sanctification. SLH 10.1

The position that sanctification is an instantaneous work, has a tendency to discourage the conscientious and desponding, and to induce many to believe that they are rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and is a great hindrance in the way of true sanctification. SLH 10.2

Says the apostle, “He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off.” He that has had an opportunity to improve and has not advanced in Christian virtues, is in a backslidden state, and being deprived of the enlightening influences of the Holy Spirit, is in a great measure blind in regard to his own condition and in regard to the truth, and cannot see afar off, or cannot see far in the way of holiness. SLH 10.3

Sanctification may be well represented by the growth of plants. It commences with the seed, the grain, and grows up into the lofty tree. It is receiving with meekness the ingrafted word, and growing thereby, or growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, or growing up into Christ our living head, or being changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ. SLH 10.4

As the child of God contemplates the truth, he gradually beholds in it the glory of the Lord, and falls in love with his lovely character. Under the influences of divine truth, he sees some beautiful trait in the Christian character and conforms to it, and thus far grows up into Christ and becomes assimilated into his likeness. Light shines on another excellence, and then on another, and he overcomes and overcomes’ growing stronger and stronger, becoming more and more holy in imitating the perfect Pattern, and thus he is changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ. SLH 11.1

This view is further strengthened by those texts in which God’s people are exhorted and encouraged to be perfect, to overcome, to mortify the deeds of the flesh, etc., also by those passages where prayers and desires are offered for the sanctification and perfection of the saints. SLH 11.2

The fact that Christians in the Scriptures are designated as holy, sanctified, perfect, and saints, does not militate against our position. Christians are sanctified or perfect as far as they understand and practice the truth; and even those who are called holy, sanctified, perfect and saints, are exhorted to cleanse themselves, to perfect holiness, to be perfect, to go on to perfection, etc. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 7:1; 13:11; Philippians 3:12-16; Hebrews 3:1; 6:1. SLH 11.3

It is manifest that light increases on the truth as the work of sanctification progresses, and that sanctification involves the necessity of advancing in the knowledge of the truth. For this reason we should cry after knowledge, and lift up our voice for understanding; seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures. Proverbs 2:3, 4. And “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. SLH 11.4

Says the wise man, “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18. And what is it that thus causes the path of the just to shine, unless it is the word of God? David says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. Again Peter says, “We have a more sure word of prophecy (or the word of the prophets which is very firm, French Trans.); whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day-star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19. SLH 12.1

The word of God was given to be a light unto the just, to show them their duty and whereabouts in this dark world. The idea that this word is a revelation of God to man which should be studied, is proof that God designed it should be understood. Strong and numerous have been the efforts of the powers of darkness to extinguish this light of heavenly birth; but it shines to-day. And is it not reasonable to expect that light will increase on the word of God, and that the prophecies will be better understood as those prophecies relating to the last days are fast fulfilling, and as the end toward which they point approaches? Said an angel while speaking to the prophet Daniel concerning the last days, or the time of the end, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4. And in the same connection we read, “Many shall be purified, and made white and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Verse 10. SLH 12.2

It would not be necessary to enter into a lengthy argument to convince the candid that we are living in the last days. By comparing the sure word of prophecy with history and the signs of the times, we see clearly that we are occupying the last link in those great chains of prophecy which were to reach to the end; that the leading signs which were to be the precursors of Christ’s second coming, and which were to bring us to the last generation, have been fulfilled, and that the present signs of the times show conclusively that the great drama of this world’s history is about to wind up, and that the Lord is near even at the doors. (See works on the Prophecy of Daniel and on the Signs of the Times, published at the Review Office, Battle Creek, Mich.) SLH 13.1

It is clear that we have reached the time when a flood of light is shining from God’s word on the path of the just, and that this light relates to that great event which is immediately impending—the coming of the Lord, and to a preparation to meet it. This we denominate present truth, because it applies to the present time, and is adapted to the wants of the present generation; and it is through this truth that the last church will be sanctified. SLH 13.2

But some do not see the necessity of receiving the truths applicable to the present time in order to be sanctified. They think they can be sanctified by living as other good Christians have lived. But how have good Christians in the past been sanctified? SLH 13.3

Have they not been sanctified by living up to the light that they had in their day? And if we are favored with more light than they were, if God has other duties for us to perform, can we be sanctified by merely living as they lived? Does God cause light to shine on his word in vain? Can men understandingly treat any portion of God’s word with indifference or impunity without incurring guilt? Can men avoid performing known duties and yet be free from sin? Said Christ, “If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin; but now they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22. SLH 14.1

When John the Baptist was preaching the first advent and preparing a people to meet the Lord, he said to the Jews, “Think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father; for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Matthew 3:9. From this it appears that the Jews fell back on good father Abraham to excuse themselves for not receiving the testimony of John. They overlooked the fact that Abraham rejoiced to see the day of Christ, and that he would have gladly received John’s testimony if he had lived in his day. They did not realize that they could not be Abraham’s children indeed, without possessing the spirit with which he was imbued. SLH 14.2

Now is not this the condition of those who refer to good Christians in the past to justify themselves for not receiving those truths that apply to the present time? But if the Jews who lived at the close of the former dispensation could not be sanctified without receiving John’s preaching, can the last church be sanctified without receiving those truths relating to Christ’s second coming. SLH 14.3

It will require a special preparation to meet the Lord when he comes. It will be necessary for the last church to look for Christ; for it is to them that look for him that he will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28. “And it shall be said in that day, Lo this is our God; we have waited for him and he will save us.” Isaiah 25:9. Now we cannot look for Christ without watching the signs of the times, and believing in the advent near. SLH 15.1

The primitive church could not consistently look for Christ in their day. The caution to them was, to not be troubled by spirit, by word or by letter, as that the day of Christ was at hand. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. But when the leading signs of Christ’s coming commenced to be fulfilled, then the church could look up, knowing that their redemption drew nigh. Luke 21:25-28. And now it is an important duty of the people of God to watch the remaining signs of the coming of the Lord. Verse 26; Matthew 24:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:6. Those who watch in the Bible sense of the term, and have a living faith in the advent near will not be in darkness that the day of Christ should overtake them as a thief in the night. They will know their whereabouts and their duty. SLH 15.2

When the great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly, even the meek of the earth are commanded to seek meekness and righteousness that they may be hid in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger. Zephaniah 1:14, etc.; 2:3. Their past attainments in holiness will not suffice them. They must seek to be more meek and more righteous, more Christ-like, more holy. SLH 15.3

The coming of the Lord is a highly practical subject, and as it is especially connected with the sanction of the last church, we may expect that it will be heralded for the benefit of the last generation. This has been done in this generation under the proclamation of the first two messages of Revelation 14, (see verses 6-8,) and it is now being done under the proclamation of the third message of the same chapter (verses 9-13,) which we understand to be the last message of mercy, and through which a people will be prepared to meet the Lord at his coming. For a full exposition of these messages see works on the Messages. SLH 15.4

We say that the third message is the last message of mercy, because it is followed by the appearing of one like unto the Son of man on the white cloud to gather the harvest of the earth. Verses 14, 15. Again, the unmixed wrath of God, which is the same as the seven last plagues, (compare Revelation 14:9, 10; 15:1; 16:1, 2,) follows, upon all those who do not heed it, hence there can be no later message by which men can be saved. SLH 16.1

It is evident from the language of this message that it will develop a holy people, a people of whom it can be said, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The same class are brought to view in Revelation 12:17, as the remnant (or last end) of the woman’s (or church’s) seed, which keep the commandments of the God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. SLH 16.2

The burden of this message is the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. These are kept in opposition to the worship of the beast (papacy). By the commandments of God, we understand is meant, those commandments which God proclaimed in person, and wrote with his own finger on stone. These are emphatically God’s commandments. When the commandments of God are spoken of in distinction from the faith of Jesus, they must refer to the ten commandments exclusively. SLH 16.3

The faith of Jesus is something that is kept or obeyed in connection with the commandments of God. It cannot simply mean the confidence of Jesus, neither can it really mean the confidence we should have in Jesus. It must denote the form of doctrine taught by Jesus, which embraces the means of salvation from sin and its curse, and all the healing and restoring ordinances, precepts, and doctrines of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. This faith can be kept or obeyed. See Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:7; Jude 3; Revelation 2:13. SLH 17.1

It needs but a moment’s reflection to see that this message is very comprehensive, and that it is sufficient to sanctify a people in the strictest sense of the word. Here we have the moral law of ten commandments, which is based in the nature of God and in the nature of man, and bears those divine characteristics which constitute a perfect and holy character. This law embodies all the principles of right, prescribes the way of holiness, and condemns every sin. Anciently God told his people that if they kept this law, they should be a holy people. Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 4:12, 13. This would be but a natural consequence. In keeping this law, they would bear its holy perfections. This law is from its very nature immutable. To change this law would be to change the nature and character of God which is impossible. Now the law remaining the same, those who keep it must be perfect and holy. SLH 17.2

But we cannot by our own strength keep the holy law of God; neither can we cleanse ourselves from our transgressions of God’s law. Therefore God in mercy provides the faith of Jesus, which presents to our view the fountain opened for uncleanness, and all those helps and means of grace that cluster around the death of the blessed and adorable Son of God, and by which the humble penitent can obtain strength to bring all the powers of his being in subjection to the law of God. SLH 17.3

The result of this message in developing a people who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, proves that previously, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus had not all been kept. The little horn, spoken of by Daniel, and symbolizing Papacy, had trodden the truth to the ground and practiced and prospered during its dark reign. Daniel 7:25; 8:12. A great amount of truth pertaining to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, had been restored under the glorious reformation, and by God’s people since the reformation. Yet there remained other important truths to be fully brought to light under the last merciful message to man. Among these is found the truth of the Sabbath. Under this message all the commandments are kept; hence the fourth commandment is kept; and this commandment enjoins the observance of the “Sabbath-day,” or “Sabbath of the Lord,” which is the day on which God rested in the beginning, and which he blessed and sanctified because that in it he had rested from all his work. Exodus 20:9-11; Genesis 2:1-3. SLH 18.1

The third message is not a contracted platform as some have supposed. It is as broad as the commandments of God and the teachings of Christ and his apostles. In it centers all the sanctifying truths of God’s word. SLH 18.2

We will now further develop this subject by examining the following text from Paul: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray God your whole spirit, and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. SLH 18.3

The language of this text shows that it applies to the last church, to those who would reach “unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Read also the first part of this chapter and the latter part of the previous chapter. From this text we see that Paul desired that the church should be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body, should be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord. This confirms what we have said to show that sanctification is a progressive work, and that a special preparation will be required of the last church. A partial sanctification is not sufficient for the church living under the blazing light of the last message of mercy. They must be “wholly” sanctified. They must receive and live out the whole truth. SLH 19.1

Again, those parts which should be preserved blameless, are the very parts that must first be sanctified. Hence when Paul desired the sanctification of the church, he desired that their whole spirit and soul and body should be sanctified. SLH 19.2

The spirit and soul are here spoken of as two distinct parts. The word spirit, in this text is translated from??, which may here be rendered mind. It is here put for the mind. See Robinson’s Greek Lexicon to the New Testament. See also 1 Corinthians 3:3, 4; 6:20; 7:34; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Colossians 2:5, etc. The term soul is variously used in the Scriptures. But we understand that in this text it denotes the life. The Greek word??, from which it is translated, is rendered life forty times in the New Testament, such being the primary signification of the word; and it would be proper to so render it in this text. All are agreed as to the meaning of the word body. SLH 19.3

We understand that the mind, the life and the body constitute the whole man, and when a person is sanctified in a Bible sense, these parts are set apart to the glory of God, and employed in the service of the Creator. Let us now notice the sanctification of each of these parts separately, commencing with SLH 20.1