Modern 1689 Confession

 Original

Reeves

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification

1. They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )

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

( 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 7:18, 23; Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11 )

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them.

( Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1

Chapter 13

Sanctification

1. Those who are united to Christ and effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the power of Christ's death and resurrection.  They are also further sanctified, really and personally,¹ through the same power, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them.² The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,³ and its various lusts are more and more weakened and put to death.⁴  At the same time, those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces⁵ so that they practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.⁶

¹Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6. ²John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23. ³Romans 6:14. ⁴Galatians 5:24. ⁵Colossians 1:11. ⁶2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14.

2. This sanctification extends throughout the whole person,⁷ though it is never completed in this life.  Some corruption remains in every part.⁸  From this arises a continual and irreconcilable war, with the desires of the flesh against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh.⁹

⁷1 Thessalonians 5:23. ⁸Romans 7:18, 23. ⁹Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11.

3. In this war, the remaining corruption may greatly prevail for a time.¹⁰  Yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part overcomes.¹¹  So the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  They pursue a heavenly life, in gospel obedience to all the commands that Christ as Head and King has given them in His Word.¹²

¹⁰Romans 7:23. ¹¹Romans 6:14. ¹²Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1.