London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689
CHAPTER 13: SANCTIFICATION
1.
Those who are united to Christ and effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. They are also further sanctified, really and personally,1 through the same power, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them.2 The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and the several evil desires that arise from it are more and more weakened and mortified.4 At the same time, those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces5 to practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.6
Those who are united to Christ and effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. They are also further sanctified, really and personally,1 through the same power, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them.2 The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,3 and the several evil desires that arise from it are more and more weakened and mortified.4 At the same time, those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces5 to practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.6
1 Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6
2 John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16–19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–23
3 Romans 6:14
4 Galatians 5:24
5 Colossians 1:11
6 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14
2 John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16–19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–23
3 Romans 6:14
4 Galatians 5:24
5 Colossians 1:11
6 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14
2.
This sanctification extends throughout the whole person,7 though it is imperfect in this life. Some corruption remains in every part.8 From this arises a continual and irreconcilable war, with the desires of the flesh against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh.9
7 1 Thessalonians 5:23
8 Romans 7:18, 23
9 Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11
8 Romans 7:18, 23
9 Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11
3.
In this war, the remaining corruption may greatly prevail for a time.10 Yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome.11 So the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. They press on after a heavenly life, in gospel obedience to all the commands that Christ as Head and King has prescribed for them in his Word.12
10 Romans 7:23
11 Romans 6:14
12 Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1
11 Romans 6:14
12 Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1