In recent weeks several of us at Reformed Forum have noticed a troubling trend in which people promote a forensicized, truncated gospel. In this video, Camden Bucey speaks about sanctification, what it is, and how it fits into God’s comprehensive plan of salvation for those who believe in Christ Jesus.
What is Sanctification?
2 Responses to “What is Sanctification?”
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I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)
“Sanctification in Christ, is glorification begun; as glorification is sanctification perfected.” Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery, p. 227.
Hey Camden, I appreciate your passion for the gospel. Also I believe this is an amazing site. Though I do believe you misunderstand many reformed and luthernas who would say with confidence that sanctification is getting used to living in a justified state. This is not truncating the gospel as you claim neither is it denyting all the benefits of Christ. Both Calvin and Luther, as well as the reformed and lutheran confessions, teach that repentance is not a one time thing. We remain sinners all our lives and we need to repent not just at conversion but daily, and put our trust in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. If we confess our sins he’s faithful and forgive us. This is all that’s meant by getting used to living in a justified state, that you repent daily and trust daily that your sins are forgiven, not just once at conversion. Now a result of this daily justification is good works. The same way that it’s taught in your web site that there is definitive sanctification when we trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, how about you can obtain definitive sanctification daily when you trust in Christ to forgive your daily sins? This is the way God works in the christian, the christian repents daily and trust in Christ daily, not just at conversion, and he is sanctified and produces good works as a result of this process of repentance and faith. This is biblical repentance and faith, as taught by both the reformed and lutherans. So defining sanctification as getting used to being justified is perfectly biblical, and not a denial that good works follow.