SPECIAL TOPIC: NT HOLINESS / SANCTIFICATION

The NT asserts that when sinners turn to Jesus in repentance and faith (cf. Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21), they are instantaneously justified and sanctified.  This is their new position in Christ.  His righteousness has been imputed to them (cf.  Gen. 15:6; Romans 4).  They are declared right and holy (a forensic act of God).

But the NT also urges believers on to holiness or sanctification.  It is both

  1. a theological position in the finished work of Jesus Christ
  2. a call to be Christlike in attitude and actions in daily life.  As salvation is a free gift and a cost-everything lifestyle, so too, is sanctification (i.e., Eastern Literature [biblical paradoxes]).

SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE (biblical paradoxes)

Initial Justification and Sanctification A Progressive Sanctification, Christlikeness
 Acts 26:18
 Romans 15:16
 1 Corinthians 1:2-3,30; 6:11
 2 Thessalonians 2:13
 Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:12
 1 Peter 1:2 		 Romans 6:19
 2 Corinthians 7:1
 Ephesians 1:4; 2:10
 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:3-4,7; 5:2
 1 Timothy 2:15
 2 Timothy 2:21
 1 Peter 1:15-16
 Hebrews 12:14

The goal of salvation is not heaven when we die but Christlikeness now (cf. Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:4; 4:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:3; 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:15), so that those who see our witness may be drawn to Jesus and go to heaven with us! Sanctification, like justification, is

  1. a gift and a choice
  2. an INDICATIVE and an IMPERATIVE
  3. a trophy and a race

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOLY

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOLY ONE

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