GRACE ALONE SANCTIFIES
It is grace and grace alone that makes a sinner alive in Christ [Eph. 2:4-5]. This spiritual life that is wrought by God does not end with saving faith and justification. This new life leads to a new attitude and new desires [2 Cor. 5:17] which causes the fruit of sanctification. While the sinful nature is still present, believers are no longer slaves of sin [Rom 6:17] and, therefore, the wretched man of Romans 7:15-24 has been dealt with by the amazing grace of spiritual renewal [Titus 3:5]. Believers have not only been sanctified once for all [Heb. 10:10], they are also being progressively sanctified by the power of God’s grace [Heb. 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.].
Therefore, just as believers are justified by grace alone through faith alone, I believe they are also sanctified by grace alone. When believers think they are cooperating with God’s grace in their sanctification, they are asserting that human effort is a part of their salvation [Gal. 3:3]. When believers rely on the new covenant principles of grace, the Holy Spirit, and union with Christ for their sanctification they are on solid ground. However, when they look to the obsolete old covenant principles of law keeping and bondage to sin as a wretched man for their sanctification they are hindering and frustrating their walk with God. [Rom. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.].
Look to the Spirit and grace rather than the flesh and ministry of death for sanctification.
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