MLJ1689LBCF
Puritan Board Freshman
Why is progressive sanctification the prominent use of sanctification in theology, when the word "sanctify/sanctified/sanctification" in the New Testament primarily refers to definitive sanctification?
To explain my thought process behind this:
The primary definition of sanctification is: "set apart for holiness".
Secondary dynamics to the definition of sanctification can be added; namely the process of becoming holy or like Christ.
We can see these longer definitions being added to sanctification in various theological materials, i.e. the longer Westminster Catechism.
However, when one sees the word "sanctify" in the New Testament, it is being used with the meaning of being set apart to be holy. This is why I am attributing "set apart" as the primary definition for "sanctify".
Now this is where the Greek experts can come in. It is my understanding that the form of "sanctify" in the New Testament predominantly is perfect, or having already been accomplished, it is not something still being done. (Please correct me if I am incorrect here)
Therefore New Testament usage of sanctify, is when a completed action of setting apart has taken place. ie definitive sanctification.
The theological association that springs to mind for sanctification is not a Christian having already been set apart, but rather the on-going process of us working with the assistance of the Spirit towards holiness. ie progressive sanctification.
Now I am not saying that this concept is unbiblical, 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another". But it doesnt define the process with the term sanctification, rather using the word "transformed".
Therefore when and why did this concept of "being transformed' become associated with "sanctification"?
Why isn't sanctification just used for definitive sanctification? And a different term used for what we know as progressive sanctification; if progressive sanctification isn't refered to in the Bible when "sanctify" is used?
By having two forms of sanctification, it might lead to people misunderstanding what sanctify means when it is used in the New Testament.
Perhaps the history behind this would illuminate things or maybe there is a fatal flaw in what I have written above.
To explain my thought process behind this:
The primary definition of sanctification is: "set apart for holiness".
Secondary dynamics to the definition of sanctification can be added; namely the process of becoming holy or like Christ.
We can see these longer definitions being added to sanctification in various theological materials, i.e. the longer Westminster Catechism.
However, when one sees the word "sanctify" in the New Testament, it is being used with the meaning of being set apart to be holy. This is why I am attributing "set apart" as the primary definition for "sanctify".
Now this is where the Greek experts can come in. It is my understanding that the form of "sanctify" in the New Testament predominantly is perfect, or having already been accomplished, it is not something still being done. (Please correct me if I am incorrect here)
Therefore New Testament usage of sanctify, is when a completed action of setting apart has taken place. ie definitive sanctification.
The theological association that springs to mind for sanctification is not a Christian having already been set apart, but rather the on-going process of us working with the assistance of the Spirit towards holiness. ie progressive sanctification.
Now I am not saying that this concept is unbiblical, 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another". But it doesnt define the process with the term sanctification, rather using the word "transformed".
Therefore when and why did this concept of "being transformed' become associated with "sanctification"?
Why isn't sanctification just used for definitive sanctification? And a different term used for what we know as progressive sanctification; if progressive sanctification isn't refered to in the Bible when "sanctify" is used?
By having two forms of sanctification, it might lead to people misunderstanding what sanctify means when it is used in the New Testament.
Perhaps the history behind this would illuminate things or maybe there is a fatal flaw in what I have written above.