Sanctification

byJ.C.Ryle

"SanctifythemthroughYourtruth."(John17:17).

"ThisisthewillofGod,evenyoursanctification."(1Thess.4:3).

TableofContents

Introduction

TheNatureofSanctification

TheVisibleEvidenceofSanctification

TheDistinctionbetweenJustificationandSanctification

PracticalReflections

Introduction

The subject of sanctification is one which many, I fear, dislikeexceedingly.Someeventurnfromitwithscornanddisdain.Theverylastthing they would like is to be a "saint" or a "sanctified" man. Yet thesubjectdoesnotdeservetobetreatedinthisway.Itisnotanenemy,butafriend.

Itisasubjectoftheutmostimportancetooursouls.IftheBibleistrue,itiscertainthatunlessweare"sanctified,"weshallnotbesaved.Therearethreethingswhich,accordingtotheBible,areabsolutelynecessarytothesalvation of every man and woman in Christendom. These three are

justification,regenerationandsanctification.AllthreemeetineverychildofGod:heisbothbornagainandjustifiedandsanctified.Hewholacksanyoneof these three things isnota trueChristian in thesightofGodand,dyinginthatcondition,willnotbefoundinheavenandglorifiedinthelastday.

It isasubjectwhichispeculiarlyseasonableinthepresentday.Strangedoctrineshaverisenupof lateupon thewholesubjectof sanctification.Some appear to confound it with justification.Others fritter it away tonothing,underthepresenceofzealforfreegrace,andpracticallyneglectitaltogether.Othersaresomuchafraidof"works"beingmadeapartofjustificationthattheycanhardlyfindanyplaceatallfor"works"intheirreligion. Others set up a wrong standard of sanctification before theireyesand,failingtoattainit,wastetheirlivesinrepeatedsecessionsfromchurchtochurch,chapeltochapelandsecttosect,inthevainhopethattheywillfindwhattheywant.Inadaylikethis,acalmexaminationofthesubject,asagreat leadingdoctrineofthegospel,maybeofgreatusetooursouls.

Now let us consider the true nature of sanctification, its visiblemarks,andhowitiscomparedtoandcontrastedwithjustification.

If, unhappily, the reader is one of thosewho cares fornothingbut thisworld,andmakesnoprofessionofreligion,IcannotexpecthimtotakemuchinterestinwhatIamwriting.Youwillprobablythinkitanaffairof"words andnames" andnicequestions, aboutwhich itmattersnothingwhat you hold and believe. But if you are a thoughtful, reasonable,sensibleChristian,Iventuretosaythatyouwillfinditworthwhiletohavesomeclearideasaboutsanctification.

TheNatureofSanctification

Sanctification is that inwardspiritualworkwhich theLordJesusChristworks in a man by the Holy Spirit, when He calls him to be a truebeliever.HenotonlywasheshimfromhissinsinHisownblood,butHealsoseparateshimfromhisnaturalloveofsinandtheworld,putsanewprinciple in his heart and makes him practically godly in life. TheinstrumentbywhichtheSpiriteffectsthisworkisgenerallytheWordof

God, thoughHe sometimes uses afflictions and providential visitations"withouttheWord"(1Peter3:1).ThesubjectofthisworkofChristbyHisSpiritiscalledinScripturea"sanctified"man.*

HewhosupposesthatJesusChristonlylivedanddiedandroseagaininorder toprovide justificationand forgivenessof sins forHispeoplehasyetmuch to learn.Whether he knows it or not, he is dishonoring ourblessed Lord and making Him only a half Savior. The Lord Jesus hasundertakeneverythingthatHispeople’ssoulsrequire:notonlytodeliverthem from the guilt of their sins by His atoning death, but from thedominionoftheirsins,byplacingintheirheartstheHolySpirit;notonlyto justify them, but also to sanctify them. He is, thus, not only their"righteousness,"buttheir"sanctification"(1Cor.1:30).LetushearwhattheBiblesays:"FortheirsakesIsanctifyMyself,thattheyalsomightbesanctified." "Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that Hemight sanctify and cleanse it." "Christ . . . gaveHimself forus, thatHemight redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.""Christ...bareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree,thatwe,beingdeadtosins,shouldliveuntorighteousness."Christ"has...reconciled[you]inthebodyofHisfleshthroughdeath,topresentyouholyandunblameableandunreproveableinHissight"(John17:19;Eph.5:25,26;Titus2:14;1Peter2:24;Col.1:22).Letthemeaningofthesefivetextsbecarefullyconsidered.Ifwordsmeananything,theyteach that Christ undertakes the sanctification, no less than thejustification,ofHisbelievingpeople.Botharealikeprovided for in that"everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure," of which theMediator is Christ. In fact, Christ in one place is called "He whosanctifies,"andHispeople"theywhoaresanctified"(Heb.2:11).

Thesubjectbeforeusisofsuchdeepandvastimportancethatitrequiresfencing,guarding,clearingupandmarkingoutoneveryside.Adoctrinewhich is needful to salvation can never be too sharply developed orbrought too fully into light. To clear away the confusion betweendoctrines and doctrines, which is so unhappily common amongChristians,andtomapoutthepreciserelationbetweentruthsandtruthsinreligionisonewaytoattainaccuracyinourtheology.Ishallthereforenothesitatetolaybeforemyreadersaseriesofconnectedpropositionsor

statements,drawnfromScripture,whichI thinkwillbe founduseful indefiningtheexactnatureofsanctification.Eachpropositionwouldadmitof being expanded and handled more fully, and all of them deserveprivate thought and consideration. Some of themmay be disputed andcontradicted; but I doubt whether any of them can be overthrown orproveduntrue.Ionlyaskforthemafairandimpartialhearing.

1. Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with ChristwhichtruefaithgivestoaChristian."HewhoabidesinMe,andIinhim,thesamebringsforthmuchfruit"(John15:5).Thebranchwhichbearsnofruit is no living branch of the vine. The union with Christ whichproduces no effect on heart and life is a mere formal union, which isworthlessbeforeGod.Thefaithwhichhasnotasanctifyinginfluenceonthe character is no better than the faith of devils. It is a "dead faith,because it isalone." It isnot thegiftofGod. It isnot the faithofGod’select.Inshort,wherethereisnosanctificationoflife,thereisnorealfaithinChrist.True faithworksby love. It constrainsaman to liveunto theLord from a deep sense of gratitude for redemption. Itmakes him feelthat he cannever do toomuch forHim that died for him.Beingmuchforgiven,helovesmuch.Hewhomthebloodcleanseswalksinthelight.HewhohasreallivelyhopeinChristpurifieshimselfevenasHeispure(James2:17–20;Titus1:1;Gal.5:6;1John1:7;3:3).

2. Sanctification is the outcome and inseparable consequence ofregeneration.Hewhoisbornagainandmadeanewcreaturereceivesanew nature and a new principle and always lives a new life. Aregeneration, which a man can have and yet live carelessly in sin orworldliness, is a regeneration invented by uninspired theologians, butnevermentioned in Scripture.On the contrary, St. John expressly saysthat"HewhoisbornofGoddoesnotcommitsin,""doesrighteousness,""lovesthebrethren,""keepshimself"and"overcomestheworld"(1John2:29;3:9–14;5:4–18).Simplyput, the lackof sanctification isa signofnon–regeneration.Where there is no holy life, there has been no holybirth.Thisisahardsaying,butaBiblicaltruth;whomeverisbornofGod,itiswritten,"cannotsin,becauseheisbornofGod"(1John3:9).

3.SanctificationistheonlycertainevidenceofthatindwellingoftheHolySpiritwhich isessential to salvation. "Ifanymanhavenot theSpiritof

Christ,heisnoneofHis"(Rom.8:9).TheSpiritneverliesdormantandidlewithinthesoul:HealwaysmakesHispresenceknownbythefruitHecauses tobeborne inheart, characterand life. "The fruitof theSpirit,"says St. Paul, "is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness,faith, meekness, temperance" and such like (Gal. 5:22). Where thesethingsaretobefound,thereistheSpirit;wherethesethingsarewanting,menaredeadbeforeGod.TheSpirit iscomparedtothewind;and, likethe wind,He cannot be seen by our bodily eyes. But, just as we knowthereisawindbytheeffectitproducesonwavesandtreesandsmoke,sowemay know the Spirit is in aman by the effectsHe produces in theman’sconduct.ItisnonsensetosupposethatwehavetheSpiritifwedonotalso"walkintheSpirit"(Gal.5:25).Wemaydependonitasapositivecertaintythat,wherethereisnoholyliving,thereisnoHolySpirit.ThesealthattheSpiritstampsonChrist’speopleissanctification.Asmanyasareactually"ledbytheSpiritofGod,they,"andtheyonly,"arethesonsofGod"(Rom.8:14).

4.SanctificationistheonlysuremarkofGod’selection.Thenamesandnumberof the elect are a secret thing,nodoubt,whichGodhaswiselykept inHisownpowerandnotrevealedtoman.It isnotgiventous inthisworldtostudythepagesofthebookoflifeandseeifournamesarethere. But if there is one thing clearly and plainly laid down aboutelection, it is this—that elect men and women may be known anddistinguished by holy lives. It is expressly written that they are "electthrough sanctification," "chosen to salvation through sanctification,""predestinatedtobeconformedtotheimageofGod’sSon,"and"choseninChrist before the foundation of theworld that they should be holy."Hence, when St. Paul saw the working "faith" and laboring "love" andpatient "hope" of the Thessalonian believers, he said, "I know yourelectionofGod"(1Peter1:2;2Thess.2:13;Rom.8:29;Eph.1:4;1Thess.1:3,4).HewhoboastsofbeingoneofGod’select,whileheiswillfullyandhabitually living in sin, is only deceiving himself and talking wickedblasphemy. Of course, it is hard to know what people really are; andmanywhomakeafairshowoutwardlyinreligionmayturnoutatlasttobe rotten–hearted hypocrites. But where there is not, at least, someappearanceofsanctification,wemaybequitecertainthereisnoelection.The church catechism correctly andwisely teaches that theHoly Spirit

"sanctifiesalltheelectpeopleofGod."

5.Sanctificationisarealitythatwillalwaysbeseen.LikethegreatHeadof the church, fromwhom it springs, it "cannot be hid." "Every tree isknownbyhisownfruit"(Luke6:44).Atrulysanctifiedpersonmaybesoclothedwithhumilitythathecanseeinhimselfnothingbutinfirmityanddefects.LikeMoses,whenhecamedownfromthemount,hemaynotbeconsciousthathisfaceshines.Liketherighteous,inthemightyparableofthesheepandthegoats,hemaynotseethathehasdoneanythingworthyofhisMaster’snoticeandcommendation:"WhensawweYouanhungry,andfedYou?"(Matt.25:37).Butwhetherheseesithimselfornot,otherswill always see in him a tone and taste and character and habit of lifeunlikethatofothermen.Theveryideaofamanbeing"sanctified"whilenoholinesscanbeseeninhislifeisflatnonsenseandamisuseofwords.Lightmaybeverydim;butifthereisonlyasparkinadarkroom,itwillbeseen.Lifemaybeveryfeeble;butifthepulseonlybeatsalittle,itwillbefelt.Itisjustthesamewithasanctifiedman:hissanctificationwillbesomething felt and seen, though he himself may not understand it. A"saint,"inwhomnothingcanbeseenbutworldlinessorsin,isakindofmonsternotrecognizedintheBible!

6. Sanctification is a reality for which every believer is responsible. Insaying this I would not bemistaken. I hold as strongly as anyone thateveryman on earth is accountable to God and that all the lost will bespeechless andwithout excuse at the last day.Everymanhaspower to"losehisownsoul"(Matt.26:26).But,whileIholdthis,Imaintainthatbelievers are eminently and peculiarly responsible and under a specialobligation to liveholy lives.Theyarenotasothers,deadandblindandunrenewed;theyarealiveuntoGodandhavelightandknowledgeandanewprinciplewithinthem.Whosefaultisit,iftheyarenotholy,buttheirown?Onwhomcantheythrowtheblame,iftheyarenotsanctified,butthemselves?God,whohasgiventhemgraceandanewheartandanewnature,hasdeprivedthemofallexcuseiftheydonotliveforHispraise.Thisisapointwhichisfartoomuchforgotten.Amanwhoprofessestobea trueChristian,whilehesitsstill,contentwithavery lowdegreeofsanctification(ifindeedhehasanyatall),andcoollytellsyouhe"candonothing," is a very pitiable sight and a very ignorantman.Against this

delusion let us watch and be on our guard. The Word of God alwaysaddressesitspreceptstobelieversasaccountableandresponsiblebeings.IftheSaviorofsinnersgivesusrenewinggraceandcallsusbyHisSpirit,wemaybesurethatHeexpectsustouseourgraceandnottogotosleep.Itisforgetfulnessofthiswhichcausesmanybelieversto"grievetheHolySpirit"andmakesthemveryuselessanduncomfortableChristians.

7.Sanctification is a thingwhichadmitsof growthanddegrees.Amanmayclimbfromonesteptoanotherinholinessandbefarmoresanctifiedatoneperiodofhislifethananother.Morepardonedandmorejustifiedthanheiswhenhefirstbelieveshecannotbe,thoughhemayfeelitmore.More sanctified he certainly may be, because every grace in his newcharacter may be strengthened, enlarged and deepened. This is theevidentmeaningofourLord’slastprayerforHisdiscipleswhenHeusedthewords,"Sanctifythem,"andofSt.Paul’sprayerfortheThessalonians:"TheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyou"(John17:17;1Thess.5:23).Inbothcases the expression plainly implies the possibility of increasedsanctification,whilesuchanexpressionas"justifythem"isneveronceinScriptureappliedtoabeliever,becausehecannotbemorejustifiedthanhe is. I can find no warrant in Scripture for the doctrine of "imputedsanctification." It is a doctrine which confuses differing principles andleadstoevilconsequences.confusethingsthatdifferandtoleadtoveryevil consequences.Not least, it isadoctrinewhich is flatlycontradictedbytheexperienceofallthemosteminentChristians.Ifthereisanypointon which God’s holiest saints agree, it is this: that they see more andknowmoreandfeelmoreanddomoreandrepentmoreandbelievemoreastheygetoninspirituallife,andinproportiontotheclosenessoftheirwalk with God. In short, they "grow in grace," as St. Peter exhortsbelieverstodo;and"aboundmoreandmore,"accordingtothewordsofSt.Paul(2Peter3:18;1Thess.4:1).

8. Sanctification depends greatly on a diligent use of scripturalmeans.The "means of grace" are such as Bible reading, private prayer, andregularlyworshipingGodinChurch,whereinonehearstheWordtaughtandparticipatesintheLord’sSupper.Ilayitdownasasimplematteroffact that no onewho is careless about such thingsmust ever expect tomake much progress in sanctification. I can find no record of any

eminent saint who ever neglected them. They are appointed channelsthroughwhichtheHolySpiritconveysfreshsuppliesofgracetothesouland strengthens theworkwhichHe has begun in the inwardman. Letmen call this legal doctrine if they please, but Iwill never shrink fromdeclaringmybeliefthatthereareno"spiritualgainswithoutpains."OurGod is aGodwhoworksbymeans, andHewillneverbless the soulofthatman who pretends to be so high and spiritual that he can get onwithoutthem.

9.Sanctificationisathingwhichdoesnotpreventamanhavingagreatdealofinwardspiritualconflict.ByconflictImeanastrugglewithintheheartbetweentheoldnatureandthenew,thefleshandthespirit,whicharetobefoundtogetherineverybeliever(Gal.5:17).Adeepsenseofthatstruggle, and a vast amount ofmental discomfort from it, are noproofthat a man is not sanctified. No, rather, I believe, they are healthysymptomsofourconditionandprovethatwearenotdead,butalive.Atrue Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but warwithin.Hemaybeknownbyhiswarfareaswellasbyhispeace.Insayingthis, I do not forget that I am contradicting the views of some well–meaning Christians who hold the doctrine called "sinless perfection." Icannothelpthat.IbelievethatwhatIsayisconfirmedbythelanguageofSt.Paul in the seventh chapterofRomans.That chapter I commend tothe careful studyof allmy readers. I amquite satisfied that itdoesnotdescribe the experience of an unconverted man, or of a young andunestablished Christian; but of an old experienced saint in closecommunionwithGod.Nonebutsuchamancouldsay,"Idelight inthelaw of God after the inwardman" (Rom. 7:22). I believe, furthermore,that what I say is proved by the experience of all the most eminentservantsofChristthathaveeverlived.Thefullproofistobeseenintheirjournals, their autobiographies and their lives.Believingall this, I shallneverhesitatetotellpeoplethatinwardconflictisnoproofthatamanisnot holy, and that theymust not think they are not sanctified becausetheydonotfeelentirelyfreefrominwardstruggle.Suchfreedomweshalldoubtlesshave inheaven,butweshallneverenjoy it in thisworld.TheheartofthebestChristian,evenathisbest,isafieldoccupiedbytworivalcamps, and the "companyof twoarmies" (Song6:13).Let thewordsofthethirteenthandfifteenthArticlesbewellconsideredbyallchurchmen:

"The infection of nature does remain in them that are regenerated.Althoughbaptized andborn again inChrist,we offend inmany things;andifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus."*

10.Sanctificationisathingwhichcannotjustifyaman,andyetitpleasesGod.Theholiestactionsoftheholiestsaintthateverlivedareallmoreorless full of defects and imperfections. They are either wrong in theirmotiveordefective in theirperformanceand in themselvesarenothingbetterthan"splendidsins,"deservingGod’swrathandcondemnation.TosupposethatsuchactionscanstandtheseverityofGod’sjudgment,atoneforsinandmeritheavenissimplyabsurd."Bythedeedsofthelawshallno flesh be justified." "We conclude that a man is justified by faithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw"(Rom.3:20–28).Theonlyrighteousnessinwhichwe can appear beforeGod is the righteousness of another—eventhe perfect righteousness of our Substitute and Representative, JesusChristtheLord.Hiswork,andnotourwork,isouronlytitletoheaven.Thisisatruthwhichweshouldbereadytodietomaintain.Forallthis,however,theBibledistinctlyteachesthattheholyactionsofasanctifiedman, although imperfect, are pleasing in the sight of God. "With suchsacrificesGod iswellpleased" (Heb. 13:16). "Obeyyourparents . . . forthisiswellpleasinguntotheLord"(Col.3:20)."We. . .dothosethingsthatarepleasinginHissight"(1John3:22).Letthisneverbeforgotten,foritisaverycomfortabledoctrine.Justasaparentispleasedwiththeeffortsofhislittlechildtopleasehim,thoughitbeonlybypickingadaisyor walking across a room, so is our Father in heaven pleasedwith thepoor performances of His believing children. He looks at the motive,principleand intentionof theiractionsandnotmerelyat theirquantityandquality.HeregardsthemasmembersofHisowndearSon,andforHis sake, wherever there is a single eye, He is well pleased. ThosechurchmenwhodisputethiswoulddowelltostudythetwelfthArticleoftheChurchofEngland.

11.Sanctificationisathingwhichwillbefoundabsolutelynecessaryasawitnesstoourcharacter inthegreatDayofJudgment.ItwillbeutterlyuselesstopleadthatwebelievedinChristunlessourfaithhashadsomesanctifyingeffectandbeenseeninourlives.Evidence,evidence,evidence

willbetheonethingwantedwhenthegreatwhitethroneisset,whenthebooksareopened,whenthegravesgiveuptheirtenants,whenthedeadarearraignedbeforethebarofGod.WithoutsomeevidencethatourfaithinChristwasrealandgenuine,weshallonlyriseagaintobecondemned.I can find no evidence that will be admitted in that day, exceptsanctification. The question will not be how we talked and what weprofessed,buthowwelivedandwhatwedid.Letnomandeceivehimselfon this point. If anything is certain about the future, it is certain thattherewillbeajudgment;andifanythingiscertainaboutjudgment,itiscertainthatmen’s"works"and"doings"willbeconsideredandexaminedinit(John5:29;2Cor.5:10;Rev.20:13).HewhosupposesworksareofnoimportancebecausetheycannotjustifyusisaveryignorantChristian.Unlessheopenshiseyes,hewill findtohiscostthat ifhecomestothebarofGodwithoutsomeevidenceofgrace,hehadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

12. Sanctification, in the last place, is absolutely necessary in order totrain andprepareus forheaven.Mostmenhope to go toheavenwhentheydie;butfew,itmaybefeared,takethetroubletoconsiderwhethertheywould enjoy heaven if they got there.Heaven is essentially a holyplace;itsinhabitantsareallholy;itsoccupationsareallholy.Tobereallyhappyinheaven,itisclearandplainthatwemustbesomewhattrainedand made ready for heaven while we are on earth. The notion of apurgatory after death, which shall turn sinners into saints, is a lyinginventionofmanandisnowheretaughtintheBible.Wemustbesaintsbeforewedieifwearetobesaintsafterwardsinglory.Thefavoriteideaofmany,thatdyingmenneednothingexceptabsolutionandforgivenessofsinstofitthemfortheirgreatchange,isaprofounddelusion.WeneedtheworkoftheHolySpiritaswellastheworkofChrist;weneedrenewaloftheheartaswellastheatoningblood;weneedtobesanctifiedaswellastobejustified.Itiscommontohearpeoplesayingontheirdeathbeds,"I onlywant theLord to forgivememy sins, and takeme to rest."Butthosewhosaysuchthingsforgetthattherestofheavenwouldbeutterlyuselessifwehadnohearttoenjoyit!Whatcouldanunsanctifiedmandoin heaven, if by any chance he got there? Let that question be fairlylookedinthefaceandfairlyanswered.Nomancanpossiblybehappyinaplace where he is not in his element and where all around him is not

congenial tohistastes,habitsandcharacter.Whenaneagle ishappyinanironcage,whenasheepishappyinthewater,whenanowlishappyintheblazeofnoondaysun,whenafishishappyonthedryland—then,andnotuntil then,willIadmitthattheunsanctifiedmancouldbehappyinheaven.*

TheVisibleEvidenceofSanctification

Whatarethevisiblemarksofasanctifiedman?Whatmayweexpecttoseeinhim?Thisisaverywideanddifficultdepartmentofoursubject.Itiswidebecauseitnecessitatesthementionofmanydetailswhichcannotbehandledfullyinthelimitsofamessagelikethis.Itisdifficultbecauseitcannotpossiblybetreatedwithoutgivingoffense.Buttruthshouldbespokendespiterisk,andtruthof thisgreatmagnitudeshouldespeciallybespokeninourpresentday.

1.True sanctification thendoesnot consist inmere talk about religion.This is a pointwhich ought never to be forgotten. The vast increase ofeducation and preaching in these latter days makes it absolutelynecessary toraiseawarningvoice.Peoplehearsomuchofgospel truththat theycontractanunholy familiaritywith itswordsandphrasesandsometimestalksofluentlyaboutitsdoctrinesthatyoumightthinkthemtrueChristians.Infactitissickeninganddisgustingtohearthecoolandflippantlanguagewhichmanypouroutabout"conversion,""theSavior,""the gospel," "finding peace," "free grace" and the like, while they arenotoriously serving sin or living for theworld. Canwe doubt that suchtalk is abominable in God’s sight and is little better than cursing,swearing and taking God’s name in vain? The tongue is not the onlymember thatChrist bidsus give toHis service.GoddoesnotwantHispeopletobemereemptytubs,soundingbrassandtinklingcymbals.Wemust be sanctified, not only "in word and in tongue, but in deed andtruth"(1John3:18).

2. True sanctification does not consist in temporary religious feelings.This again is a point aboutwhich awarning is greatlyneeded.Missionservicesandrevivalmeetingsareattractinggreatattentionineverypartof the land and producing a great sensation. The Church of Englandseemstohavetakenanewleaseoflifeandexhibitsanewactivity,andwe

oughttothankGodforit.Butthesethingshavetheirattendantdangersaswellastheiradvantages.Whereverwheatissown,thedevilissuretosowtares.Many,itmaybefeared,appearmovedandtouchedandrousedunder the preaching of the gospel, while in reality their hearts are notchangedatall.Akindofanimalexcitementfromthecontagionofseeingothers weeping, rejoicing or affected, is the true account of their case.Theirwoundsareonlyskindeep,andthepeacetheyprofesstofeelisskindeepalso.Likethestony–groundhearers,theyreceivetheWordwithjoy(Matt.13:20);butafteralittletheyfallaway,gobacktotheworldandareharder and worse than before. Like Jonah’s gourd, they come upsuddenly in a night and perish in a night. Let these things not beforgotten. Let us beware in this day of healing wounds slightly, andcrying, "Peace,peace,"when there isnopeace.Letusurgeoneveryonewhoexhibitsnewinterestinreligiontobecontentwithnothingshortofthedeep,solid,sanctifyingworkof theHolySpirit.Reaction,after falsereligiousexcitement, isamostdeadlydiseaseofsoul.Whenthedevil isonlytemporarilycastoutofamanintheheatofarevival,andbyandbyreturnstohishouse,thelaststatebecomesworsethanthefirst.Betterathousand times begin more slowly, and then "continue in the Word"steadfastly,thanbegininahurry,withoutcountingthecost,andbyandbylookback,withLot’swife,andreturntotheworld.IdeclareIknownostate of soul more dangerous than to imagine we are born again andsanctifiedby theHolySpirit becausewehavepickedupa few religiousfeelings.

3.Truesanctificationdoesnotconsistinoutwardformalismandexternaldevoutness.Thisisanenormousdelusion,butunhappilyaverycommonone.Thousandsappearto imaginethattrueholiness is tobeseeninanexcessive quantity of bodily religion—in constant attendance on churchservices, reception of the Lord’s Supper, and observance of fasts andsaints’ days; in multiplied bowings and turnings and gestures andposturesduringpublicworship;inwearingpeculiardresses,andtheuseof pictures and crosses. I freely admit that some people take up thesethings from conscientious motives and actually believe that they helptheirsouls.ButIamafraidthatinmanycasesthisexternalreligiousnessismade a substitute for inwardholiness; and I amquite certain that itfalls utterly short of sanctification of heart. Above all, when I see that

manyfollowersofthisoutward,sensuous,andformalstyleofChristianityare absorbed in worldliness and plunge headlong into its pomps andvanitieswithoutshame,Ifeelthatthereisneedofveryplainspeakingonthesubject.Theremaybeanimmenseamountof"bodilyservice,"whilethereisnotajotofrealsanctification.

4.Sanctificationdoesnotconsistinretirementfromourplaceinlifeandtherenunciationofoursocialduties.Ineveryageithasbeenasnarewithmanytotakeupthislineinthepursuitofholiness.Hundredsofhermitshaveburied themselves in somewilderness, and thousandsofmenandwomen have shut themselves up within the walls of monasteries andconvents,underthevainideathatbysodoingtheywouldescapesinandbecomeeminentlyholy.Theyhave forgotten thatnoboltsandbarscankeepoutthedevilandthat,whereverwego,wecarrythatrootofallevil,ourownhearts.Tobecomeamonkoranunortojoina"houseofmercy"is not the high road to sanctification. True holiness does not make aChristian evade difficulties, but face and overcome them. Christ wouldhave His people show that His grace is not a mere hot–house plant,whichcanonlythriveundershelter,butastrong,hardythingwhichcanflourishineveryrelationoflife.ItisdoingourdutyinthatstatetowhichGod has called us, like salt in themidst of corruption and light in themidstofdarkness,whichisaprimaryelementinsanctification.Itisnotthemanwhohideshimself inacave,but themanwhoglorifiesGodasmaster or servant, parent or child, in the family and in the street, inbusinessandintrade,whoisthescripturaltypeofasanctifiedman.OurMasterHimselfsaidinHislastprayer,"IpraynotthatYoushouldtakethem out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil"(John17:15).

5. Sanctification is not merely the occasional performance of rightactions. Rather, it is the continual work of a new heavenly principlewithin,whichrunsthroughone’sdailyconductineverythinghedoes,bigorsmall.Itisnotlikeapump,whichonlysendsforthwaterwhenworkeduponfromwithout,butlikeaperpetualfountain,fromwhichastreamisever flowing spontaneously and naturally. EvenHerod, when he heardJohntheBaptist,"didmanythings,"whilehisheartwasutterlywronginthe sight ofGod (Mark 6:20). Just so there are scores of people in the

presentdaywhoseemtohavespasmodicfitsof"goodness,"asitiscalled,anddomanyrightthingsundertheinfluenceofsickness,affliction,deathinthefamily,publiccalamitiesorasuddenqualmofconscience.Yetallthe time any intelligent observer can see plainly that they are notconverted and that they know nothing of "sanctification." A true saint,like Hezekiah, will be whole–hearted. He will count God’scommandments concerning all things to be right and "hate every falseway"(2Chr.31:21;Ps.119:104).

6.GenuinesanctificationwillshowitselfinhabitualrespecttoGod’slawandhabitualefforttoliveinobediencetoitastheruleoflife.ThereisnogreatermistakethantosupposethataChristianhasnothingtodowiththe lawand theTenCommandments becausehe cannotbe justifiedbykeepingthem.ThesameHolySpiritwhoconvincesthebelieverofsinbythelawandleadshimtoChristforjustificationwillalwaysleadhimtoaspiritual use of the law, as a friendly guide, in the pursuit ofsanctification. Our Lord Jesus Christ never made light of the TenCommandments; on the contrary, in His first public discourse, thesermon on themount, He expounded them and showed the searchingnatureoftheirrequirements.St.Paulnevermadelightofthelaw;onthecontrary,hesays,"Thelawisgood,ifamanuseitlawfully.""Idelightinthe lawofGodafter the inwardman" (1Tim. 1:8;Rom. 7:22).Hewhopretends tobe a saint,whilehe sneers at theTenCommandments andthinks nothing of lying, hypocrisy, swindling, ill temper, slander,drunkennessandbreachoftheseventhcommandment,isunderafearfuldelusion.Hewillfindithardtoprovethatheisa"saint"inthelastday!

7.Genuine sanctificationwill show itself in an habitual endeavor to doChrist’swillandtolivebyHispracticalprecepts.Thesepreceptsaretobefoundscatteredeverywhere throughout the fourGospels,andespeciallyinthesermononthemount.HewhosupposestheywerespokenwithouttheintentionofpromotingholinessandthataChristianneednotattendtotheminhisdailylifeisreallylittlebetterthanalunatic,andatanyrateisagrosslyignorantperson.Tohearsomementalkandreadsomemen’swritings, one might imagine that our blessed Lord, when He was onearth,never taughtanythingbutdoctrineand leftpracticalduties tobetaughtbyothers!TheslightestknowledgeofthefourGospelsoughttotell

usthatthisisacompletemistake.WhatHisdisciplesoughttobeandtodo is continually brought forward in our Lord’s teaching. A trulysanctifiedmanwillneverforgetthis.HeservesaMasterwhosaid,"Youaremyfriends,ifyoudowhateverIcommandyou"(John15:14).

8.Genuinesanctificationwillshowitself inanhabitualdesiretoliveupto the standardwhichSt. Paul sets before the churches inhiswritings.That standard is to be found in the closing chapters of nearly all hisEpistles.Thecommon ideaofmanypersons thatSt.Paul’swritingsarefull of nothing but doctrinal statements and controversial subjects—justification,election,predestination,prophecyandthelike—isanentiredelusion and a melancholy proof of the ignorance of Scripture whichprevails in these latter days. I defy anyone to read St. Paul’s writingscarefully, without finding in them a large quantity of plain practicaldirectionsabout theChristian’sduty inevery relationof life, andaboutour daily habits, temper and behavior to one another. These directionswerewritten down by inspiration ofGod for the perpetual guidance ofprofessingChristians.Hewhodoesnotattendtothemmaypossiblypassmusterasamemberofachurchorachapel,buthecertainlyisnotwhattheBiblecallsa"sanctified"man.

9. Genuine sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to theactivegraceswhichourLordsobeautifullyexemplified,andespeciallytothegraceofcharity."AnewcommandmentIgiveuntoyou,thatyouloveoneanother;asIhavelovedyou,thatyoualsoloveoneanother.Bythisshall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one toanother" (John 13:34, 35). A sanctifiedman will try to do good in theworldandtolessenthesorrowandincreasethehappinessofallaroundhim. He will aim to be like his Master, full of kindness and love toeveryone—and this not in word only, by calling people "dear," but bydeeds and actions and self–denying work, according as he hasopportunity.TheselfishChristianprofessorwhowrapshimselfupinhisown conceit of superior knowledge and seems to care nothingwhetherotherssinkorswim,gotoheavenorhell,solongashewalkstochurchorchapel inhisSundaybestand iscalleda"soundmember"—suchamanknowsnothingof sanctification.Hemay thinkhimselfa saintonearth,buthewillnotbeasaintinheaven.ChristwillneverbefoundtheSavior

of thosewho knownothing of followingHis example. Saving faith andrealconvertinggracewillalwaysproducesomeconformitytothe imageofJesus(Col.3:10).*

10.Genuine sanctification, in the last place,will show itself in habitualattention to the passive graces ofChristianity.When I speak of passivegraces,ImeanthosegraceswhichareespeciallyshowninsubmissiontothewillofGodandinbearingandforbearingtowardsoneanother.Fewpeople,perhaps,unlesstheyhaveexaminedthepoint,haveanideahowmuch is said about these graces in the New Testament and howimportant a place they seem to fill. This is the special point which St.PeterdwellsuponincommendingourLordJesusChrist’sexampletoournotice: "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that youshouldfollowHissteps:whodidnosin,neitherwasdeceitfoundinHismouth:who,whenHewasreviled,revilednotagain;whenHesuffered,He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgesrighteously" (1 Pet. 2:21–23). This is the one piece of professionwhichtheLord’sprayerrequiresustomake:"Forgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgive them that trespass against us," and the one point that iscommented upon at the end of the prayer. This is the point whichoccupies one third of the list of the fruits of the Spirit supplied by St.Paul. Nine are named and three of these, patience, gentleness andmeekness, are unquestionably passive graces (Gal. 5:22, 23). I mustplainly say that I do not think this subject is sufficiently considered byChristians. The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than theactive ones, but they are precisely the graces which have the greatestinfluence on theworld. Of one thing I feel very sure: it is nonsense topretendtosanctificationunlesswefollowafterthemeekness,gentleness,patience and forgivingness of which the Bible makes so much. Peoplewhoarehabituallygivingway topeevishandcross tempers indaily lifeand are constantly sharp with their tongues and disagreeable to allaround them, spiteful people, vindictive people, revengeful people,maliciouspeople—ofwhom,alas,theworldisonlytoofull—allsuchknowlittleastheyshouldknowaboutsanctification.

TheDistinctionbetweenJustificationandSanctification

I now propose to consider, in the last place, the distinction between

justification and sanctification.Wherein do they agree, andwherein dotheydiffer?

Thisbranchofoursubjectisoneofgreatimportance,thoughIfearitwillnotseemsotoallmyreaders.Ishallhandleitbriefly,butIdarenotpassitoveraltogether.Toomanyareapttolookatnothingbutthesurfaceofthingsinreligionandregardnicedistinctionsintheologyasquestionsof"wordsandnames,"whichareoflittlerealvalue.ButIwarnallwhoarein earnest about their souls that the discomfort which arises from not"distinguishing things that differ" in Christian doctrine is very greatindeed; and I especially advise them, if they love peace, to seek clearviewsaboutthematterbeforeus.Justificationandsanctificationaretwodistinctthings,wemustalwaysremember.Yettherearepointsinwhichtheyagreeandpointsinwhichtheydiffer.Letustrytofindoutwhattheyare.

Inwhat,then,arejustificationandsanctificationALIKE?

a. Both proceed originally from the free grace of God. It is of His giftalonethatbelieversarejustifiedorsanctifiedatall.

b. Both are part of that great work of salvation which Christ, in theeternal covenant, has undertaken onbehalf ofHis people.Christ is thefountainof life, fromwhichpardonandholinessboth flow.The rootofeachisChrist.

c.Botharetobefoundinthesamepersons.Thosewhoarejustifiedarealwayssanctified,andthosewhoaresanctifiedarealwaysjustified.Godhasjoinedthemtogether,andtheycannotbeputasunder.

d. Both begin at the same time. The moment a person begins to be ajustifiedperson,healsobeginstobeasanctifiedperson.Hemaynotfeelit,butitisafact.

e. Both are alike necessary to salvation. No one ever reached heavenwithoutarenewedheartaswellasforgiveness,withouttheSpirit’sgraceaswellasthebloodofChrist,withoutafitnessforeternalgloryaswellasatitle.Theoneisjustasnecessaryastheother.

Sucharethepointsonwhichjustificationandsanctificationagree.Letusnowreversethepictureandseewhereintheydiffer.

a.Justification is thereckoningandcountingamantoberighteous forthe sake of another, even Jesus Christ the Lord. Sanctification is theactualmakingamaninwardlyrighteous,thoughitmaybeinaveryfeebledegree.

b.Therighteousnesswehavebyourjustificationisnotourown,buttheeverlastingperfectrighteousnessofourgreatMediatorChrist,imputedtous, and made our own by faith. The righteousness we have bysanctificationisourownrighteousness,imparted,inherentandwroughtin us by the Holy Spirit but mingled with much infirmity andimperfection.

c.Injustificationourownworkshavenoplaceatall,andsimplefaithinChrist is the one thing needful. In sanctification our ownworks are ofvastimportance,andGodbidsusfightandwatchandprayandstriveandtakepainsandlabor.

d. Justification is a finishedandcompletework, andaman isperfectlyjustified the moment he believes. Sanctification is an imperfect work,comparatively,andwillneverbeperfecteduntilwereachheaven.

e. Justification admits of no growth or increase: a man is as muchjustified the hour he first comes to Christ by faith as he will be to alleternity. Sanctification is eminently a progressive work and admits ofcontinualgrowthandenlargementsolongasamanlives.

f.Justificationhasspecialreferencetoourpersons,ourstandinginGod’ssight,andourdeliverancefromguilt.Sanctificationhasspecialreferencetoournaturesandthemoralrenewalofourhearts.

g. Justification gives us our title to heaven and boldness to enter in.Sanctificationgivesusourfitnessforheavenandpreparesustoenjoyitwhenwedwellthere.

h.Justificationis theactofGodaboutusandisnoteasilydiscernedby

others.SanctificationistheworkofGodwithinusandcannotbehidinitsoutward

manifestationfromtheeyesofmen.

Icommendthesedistinctionstotheattentionofallmyreaders,andIaskthem to ponder themwell. I ampersuaded that one great cause of thedarkness and uncomfortable feelings of many well–meaning people inthe matter of religion is their habit of confounding, and notdistinguishing, justification and sanctification. It can never be toostrongly impressedonourminds that they are two separate things.Nodoubttheycannotbedivided,andeveryonethatisapartakerofeitherisa partaker of both. But never, never ought they to be confounded, andneveroughtthedistinctionbetweenthemtobeforgotten.

PracticalReflections

Thenatureandvisiblemarksofsanctificationhavebeenbroughtbeforeus. What practical reflections ought the whole matter to raise in ourminds?

1.Foronething,letusallawaketoasenseoftheperilousstateofmanyprofessing Christians. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord;without sanctification there is no salvation (Heb. 12:14). Thenwhat anenormousamountofso–calledreligionthereiswhichisperfectlyuseless!What an immenseproportionof church–goers and chapel–goers are inthebroadroadthat leadstodestruction!Thethought isawful,crushingand overwhelming. Oh, that preachers and teachers would open theireyesandrealizetheconditionofsoulsaroundthem!Oh,thatmencouldbepersuadedto"fleefromthewrathtocome"!Ifunsanctifiedsoulscanbesavedandgotoheaven,theBibleisnottrue.YettheBibleistrueandcannotlie!Whatmusttheendbe!

2.Letusmake sureworkofourownconditionandnever restuntilwefeelandknowthatweare"sanctified"ourselves.Whatareourtastesandchoicesandlikingsandinclinations?Thisisthegreattestingquestion.Itmatters littlewhatwewishandwhatwehopeandwhatwedesiretobebeforewedie.Whatarewenow?Whatarewedoing?Arewesanctifiedor

not?Ifnot,thefaultisallourown.

3.Ifwewouldbesanctified,ourcourseisclearandplain:wemustbeginwithChrist.WemustgotoHimassinners,withnopleabutthatofutterneed, and cast our souls onHim by faith, for peace and reconciliationwithGod.Wemust place ourselves inHis hands, as in the hands of agoodphysician, and cry toHim formercy andgrace.Wemustwait fornothing to bring with us as a recommendation. The very first steptowardssanctification,nolessthanjustification,istocomewithfaithtoChrist.Wemustfirstliveandthenwork.

4. If we would grow in holiness and becomemore sanctified, wemustcontinuallygoonaswebegan,andbeevermakingfreshapplicationstoChrist.HeistheHeadfromwhicheverymembermustbesupplied(Eph.4:16). To live the life of daily faith in the Son of God and to be dailydrawing out ofHis fullness the promised grace and strengthwhichHehas laid up for His people—this is the grand secret of progressivesanctification.BelieverswhoseematastandstillaregenerallyneglectingclosecommunionwithJesus,andsogrievingtheSpirit.Hewhoprayed,"Sanctify them," the lastnightbeforeHiscrucifixion is infinitelywillingtohelpeveryonewhobyfaithapplies toHimforhelpanddesires tobemademoreholy.

5. Let us not expect toomuch fromour ownhearts here below.At ourbestwe shall find in ourselvesdaily cause forhumiliation anddiscoverthatweareneedydebtorstomercyandgraceeveryhour.Themorelightwehave, themorewe shall seeourown imperfection. Sinnerswewerewhenwe began, sinners we shall find ourselves as we go on: renewed,pardoned,justified,yetsinnerstotheverylast.Ourabsoluteperfectionisyettocome,andtheexpectationof it isonereasonwhyweshouldlongforheaven.

6.Finally,letusneverbeashamedofmakingmuchofsanctificationandcontendingforahighstandardofholiness.Whilesomearesatisfiedwithamiserablylowdegreeofattainment,andothersarenotashamedtoliveon without any holiness at all, content with a mere round of church–goingandchapel–going,butnevergettingon,likeahorseinamill,letusstand fast in the oldpaths, followafter eminentholiness ourselves and

recommenditboldlytoothers.Thisistheonlywaytobereallyhappy.

Letusfeelconvinced,whateverothersmaysay,thatholinessishappinessandthatthemanwhogetsthroughlifemostcomfortablyisthesanctifiedman. No doubt there are some true Christians who from ill health, orfamily trials,orothersecretcauses,enjoy little sensiblecomfortandgomourningalltheirdaysonthewaytoheaven.Buttheseareexceptionalcases.Asageneralrule,inthelongrunoflife,itwillbefoundtrue,that"sanctified" people are the happiest people on earth. They have solidcomfortswhich theworld canneithergivenor takeaway. "Thewaysofwisdomarewaysofpleasantness.""GreatpeacehavethosewholoveYourlaw."ItwassaidbyOnewhocannotlie:"Myyokeiseasy,andMyburdenislight."Butitisalsowritten,"Thereisnopeaceuntothewicked"(Prov.3:17;Ps.119:165;

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