Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter by Chapter: 13. Of Sanctification

A class working through the Westminster Confession of Faith—one chapter a week. June 19, 2022. Pastor Andrew Dionne.

I. They, who are 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,¹by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them:² the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,³ and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified;⁴ and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,⁵ to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.⁶

¹ 1 Cor. 6:11; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6    ² John 17:17; 2 Thess. 2:13    ³ Rom. 6:6,14    ⁴ Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13    ⁵ Col. 1:11; Eph. 3:16–19   ⁶ 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14

II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man;⁷ yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part;⁸ whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.⁹

⁷ 1 Thess. 5:23    ⁸ 1 John 1:10; Rom. 7:18,23; Phil. 3:12    ⁹ Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:11

III. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail;¹⁰ yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;¹¹and so, the saints grow in grace,¹² perfecting holiness in the fear of God.¹³

¹⁰ Rom. 7:23    ¹¹ Rom. 6:14; 1 John 5:4; Eph. 4:15–16    ¹² 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18    ¹³ 2 Cor. 7:1