". . . we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
(Hebrews 10:10)
"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
(Hebrews 10:14)
" God uses vastly different circumstances and experiences to bring people to himself. As C. H. Spurgeon said, 'God's Spirit calls men to Jesus in diverse ways. Some are drawn so gently that they scarce know when the drawing began, and others are so suddenly affected that their conversion stands out with noonday clearness.' The best evidence of true salvation is not having raised a hand or prayed a prayer, or having been baptized or christened. Instead, the true test of an authentic work of God in one's life is sanctification as God continues the moral transformation He began in regeneration. This transformation will continue until the redeemed person is resurrected and made completely holy in heaven. . . "God's sanctifying work is seen in growing Christlike character, increasing love for God and His people, and the fruit of the Spirit . . . Of course, a memorable conversion experience may serve as an important reference point for a saving work of God in one's life, but it is only the obvious, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in making one more and more like Jesus that gives sufficiently clear indication that a person has been made a new creation in Christ. While a Christian should never be satisfied with his current state of holiness, he should be confident that through God's sovereign, sanctifying grace he will one day have totally won the victory over sin once and for all." ~ ESV Study Bible ~ 'Biblical Doctrine: An Overview' [bold emphasis added] |
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