Sanctification by Death to Sin

Sanctified: from the Latin sanctus or sacred; set apart

“We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.” New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833)

Sanctification is God progressively separating believers from sin and making them more like Himself. Justification is the first moment of sanctification; it is when we pass, through Christ, from death to life. Sanctification is the step-by-step process when the Holy Spirit works in our lives and conforms us into the image of Christ.

Positional sanctification is immediate at the moment of salvation and requires no action from us.

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:1 Corinthians 1:2

We are no longer in our sin, we are in Christ.

Practical sanctification is a lifetime process of becoming like Jesus.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.2 Corinthians 3:18

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16

We must still deal with sin and temptation on a regular basis, but we now have God’s resources to deal with our sin.

A life that continues to be reigned by sin is contrary to the Gospel.

The message that you can continue in your sin and God will not judge it is the anti-Gospel.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Romans 1:18

Sin and salvation exist in the realm of death and life.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:23

Death reigned in sin.

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 5:21

Grace reigns in life.

How does one pass from death to life? By being justified by faith in Jesus.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 5:24

When you were saved, you received eternal life and you became dead to sin.

Death to sin is not something we hope will happen. It is something that has already taken place.

Being dead to sin does not mean we will not sin, but will not continue in a life dominated by sin.

The super-grace of God cannot be used as a license to sin.

We must shift our heart to see that life is found in Jesus and only death is found in sin.

Being dead to sin and alive to Jesus should change our everyday behavior.