We are not supposed to ask?One could ask if deathbed conversions are possible. If salvation circumscribes both justification and sanctification, does that mean sanctification is necessary for salvation? Can one receive saving faith by the power of the Holy Spirit (thereby be justified), and die before the Spirit starts the process of sanctification, and still be saved to eternal life with the Father?
That is, can one be saved and not sanctified? Is sanctification really necessary for ones salvation?
Does the process of sanctification necessarily begin immediately after one receives saving faith, or might there gap in time?
Why ask? Really?
I did not question his ability.Scripture tells us the Spirit sanctifies those who believe (those who are justified). On what basis should we question his ability to do so in whatever time frame he chooses? God, the master and creator of time, space, and everything, can certainly control the method, timing, and the end for those who are washed, sanctified, and justified.
But do we need any sanctification in order to achieve salvation? Do we require any infusion of grace to be saved? Bahnsen said "... salvation is not exhaustively circumscribed by God's pardon of, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to, the sinner". But it seems to me that our salvation is based on "the imputation of Christ's righteousness" alone. Nothing more is needed for salvation.It's not like any of us are saying you need X amount of sanctification before you are saved. God knows what we need to be made holy in his presence.