- Those who are united to Christ are effectually called and regenerated and have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue [power and merit] of Christ’s death and resurrection. They are also further sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue,1 by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them.2 The dominion [power] of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and its various lusts [sinful desires] are increasingly weakened and mortified [put to death].4 At the same time, those united to Christ are increasingly enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces5 so that they practice [demonstrate] all true holiness, without which no-one shall see the Lord.6
1 Acts 20.32; Rom 6.5-6 2 Jn 17.17; Eph 3.16-19; 1Thes 5.21-23 3 Rom 6.14 4 Gal 5.24 5 Col 1.11 6 2Cor 7.1; Heb 12.14
- This sanctification extends throughout the whole person,7 but it is imperfect [incomplete] in this life:8 there still remain some remnants of corruption in every part, and from this arises a continual and irreconcilable war – the flesh lusting [desiring to conquer] against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh.9
7 1Thes 5.23 8 Rom 7.18, 23 9 Gal 5.17; 1Pt 2.11
- In this war, although the remaining corruption may greatly prevail [gain the advantage] for a time,10 yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate part overcomes.11 In this way the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, earnestly pursuing a heavenly life in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ, as Head and King, has prescribed to them in his Word.12
10 Rom 7.23 11 Rom 6.14 12 Eph 4.15-16; 2Cor 3.18; 2Cor 7.1
