Type of Doctrine: Secondary
Why does it matter?
Our view on sanctification concerns whether we should expect that we would become perfect in this life or not. It also informs us about God's role and ours in the process of becoming more holy like Jesus.
What is it?
It's a big word that we don't use very often. What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the idea of being made holy.
At conversion, believers are justified (declared righteous) by faith alone. They are forgiven of all of their past, present, and future sins. However, they are not instantly holy and perfect. Well-meaning believers disagree on various aspects of sanctification. There are disagreements on when sanctification begins, whether it's a process, to what extent we're involved, and the extent to which we should expect to be holy. Below are the 7 main views on sanctification.
7 Views on Sanctification
Below are seven views on sanctification (adapted from p. 111-113 in H. Wayne House, Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine, Five Views on Sanctification, and Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification).
#1 - Wesleyan Perfectionism
When does sanctification begin? At some point a Christian totally surrenders to God and has a second work of grace leading to perfect sanctification (the first is when they place faith in Jesus).
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Perfection--that is, perfect love toward God and people. They won't commit willful sin against God anymore, but may still have some unknown ways they fall short (this total sanctification will happen in heaven or at the second coming of Jesus).
Unique feature(s) - Christians can become perfect in this life and sanctification is a second work of grace.
Who has believed it? John Wesley, John Fletcher, Methodism, Nazarenes, Salvation Army, and Holiness
#2 - Keswick
When does sanctification begin? A defeated Christian hits a point of total surrender where they "let go and let God." This leads to a victorious Christian life.
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Believers will not experience perfection, but after they "let go and let God" they will experience continual success at overcoming sin. Total sanctification will happen in heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification is a second work of God as the believer surrenders to him and this leads to victory over sin.
Who has believed it? Hannah W. Smith, Andrew Murray, Watchman Nee, and Ian Thomas
#3 - Reformed
When does sanctification begin? Sanctification begins at conversion and continues throughout life. The old self has been crucified and is gone.
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Believers become more like Christ throughout life, but they don't reach perfection. Believers must put off their sin and fight their sin. Total sanctification will happen in heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification begins at conversion and continues throughout all of life. Perfection cannot be expected in this life. The old self has been crucified.
Who has believed it? John Murray, John Owen, J. I. Packer, and Anthony Hoekema
#4 - Pentecostal
When does sanctification begin? A second work of the Holy Spirit sanctifies and removes original sin (Holiness Pentecostals). Other Pentecostals believe in a second experience of empowering of the Holy Spirit.
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Some lean towards perfectionism (Holiness Pentecostals) while other Pentecostals emphasize the greater power of the Spirit to witness and live the Christian life. Total sanctification will happen in heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification begins with a subsequent empowering work of the Holy Spirit.
Who has believed it? Holiness Pentecostals, Assemblies of God
#5 - Augustinian-Dispensational
When does sanctification begin? Sanctification begins at conversion and continues throughout life. Christians have two natures-flesh and spirit-which are at war with each other.
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Believers will not experience perfection in this life. Total sanctification will happen in heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification begins at conversion and continues throughout all of life. Perfection cannot be expected in this life. The believer has two natures at war-flesh and spirit.
Who has believed it? John Walvoord, Lewis Sperry Chafer, and Charles Ryrie
#6 - Contemplative
When does sanctification begin? Sanctification begins at conversion. Believers follow contemplative practices and grow through experiencing "the dark night" (suffering/refining).
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Believers seek to experience communion with God and love God back. Total sanctification will happen in heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification is tied to contemplative practices and experiencing suffering.
Who has believed it? E. Glenn Hinson, Dessert Fathers, Augustine, St. Bernard of Clarivaux, St. John of the Cross, the Carmelites of St. Teresa of Avila
#7 - Lutheran
When does sanctification begin? Sanctification has been given at conversion from God. They don't see as much of a separation between justification and sanctification.
What extent of sanctification can be expected? Believers old self is dead, but they are simultaneously just and sinner. Total sanctification has been given at conversion, but it won't be realized until heaven or the second coming of Jesus.
Unique feature(s) - Sanctification has been given at conversion and the believer is in the process of receiving it in a greater degree.
Who has believed it? Martin Luther, Lutherans
Application
Regardless of one's view on sanctification, living a holy life is important. It's important that we seek to kill our sin so that it does not kill us (as John Owen has famously said). The author of Hebrews says it this way: "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
Where can I learn more?
Bibliography:
- Alexander, Donald et. al. Christian Spirituality: Five Views on Sanctification. Westmont, IL: IVP Academic, 1989.
- Dieter, Melvin E. et. al. Five Views on Sanctification. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987.
- House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.