Lesson 11: The Doctrine of Sanctification

Key Concepts

• Sanctification is not an immediate event but an ongoing, cooperative process.
• It begins at conversion and continues until death.
• Sanctification requires the cooperation of both God and the believer.
• Reflecting the likeness of Christ involves time, effort, and grace.

Important Points to Remember

• Conversion Leads to Change: True conversion should lead to changed behavior.
  • If there is no change, doubt arises about true conversion.
  • Sanctification serves as evidence of genuine grace.

What We Believe About Sanctification

• Definition: The process beginning at regeneration where God conforms believers to the image of Christ through His word and Spirit.
  • Christians grow in holiness and love for God and others.
  • Involves submission to Jesus, obedience to God's word, and walking by the Spirit.

Five Points to Unpack the Doctrine

1. God Conforms Believers to the Image of Christ

   • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: God sanctifies completely, keeping us blameless.
   • Wayne Grudem describes sanctification as the progressive work of God.
   • Contrast with justification: Justification is a one-time act, sanctification is ongoing.
   • Using Luther’s metaphor: Sanctification is akin to a rehabilitation process post-justification.

2. Believers Grow in Sanctification Throughout Their Lives

   • Romans 6:19 emphasizes ongoing process.
   • Initial break from sin at regeneration (positional sanctification).
   • Progressive sanctification: growth varies but trends forward.
   • Completed at death or the Lord’s return (perfect sanctification).

3. Believers Grow in Sanctification by Grace

   • Philippians 2:12-13: Work out your own salvation, for God works in you.
   • Salvation encompasses all aspects: regeneration, justification, sanctification, adoption, glorification.
   • Sanctification is cooperative: God’s energy (grace) propels it but we must respond.

4. Believers Grow in Sanctification with Other Believers

   • 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13: Growth in love for one another leads to sanctification.
   • Sanctification in community: Jesus’ prayer for unity, Paul’s emphasis on mutual support.

5. Believers Grow in Sanctification Through Spiritual Disciplines

   • 1 Timothy 4:7-8: Train yourself for godliness through spiritual disciplines.
   • Emphasis on God’s word and prayer.
   • Holy Spirit initiates and energizes these practices, but the believer must continually choose them.

Related Scriptures and Illustrations

• 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: God sanctifies completely, faithful to do it.
• Romans 6:19: Present yourselves as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification.
• Philippians 2:12-13: Work out salvation, God works in you.
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8: Train for godliness.

Summary

• Sanctification is a lifelong process involving divine grace and human response.
• Emphasizes growth in Christ’s likeness, assisted by spiritual disciplines and Christian community.
• Ultimate sanctification completed upon death or Christ’s return.

Lesson 12: The Doctrine of the Second Coming

Overview

• The Bible emphasizes the ultimate appearance of God’s kingdom.
• Focus on Jesus Christ’s revelation as Sovereign Lord.
• His return will bring about final victory over sin and death.

Core Beliefs

• Jesus will return bodily, in power and glory at a time unknown to us.
• He will raise the dead and judge the world.
• The righteous receive glorified bodies, the unrighteous face eternal destruction.
• Creation will be fully renewed and God’s people will reign with Him forever.

Key Points of the Doctrine

1. Jesus Will Return Bodily

   • Acts 1:1: Jesus will return in the same way He ascended.
   • Return signifies the establishment of God’s kingdom and removal of evil.
   • No emphasis on dates/times but on fulfilling the Great Commission until His return.

2. Jesus Will Judge the World

   • Matthew 25:31-32: Jesus will judge all nations.
   • Apostles Creed: He will come to judge the living and the dead.
   • Judgment is both comforting and terrifying; motivates holy living and evangelism.

3. The Resurrection of the Righteous

   • 1 Peter 1:3: Born again to a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection.
   • Ensures our future resurrection; full completion of salvation on the last day.

4. Eternal Destruction for the Wicked

   • 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9: Eternal punishment for those who don’t obey the Gospel.
   • Biblical evidence is strong; reflects God’s justice and holiness.

5. Creation Made New and Glorious

   • Revelation 21:1: New heaven and new earth.
   • God’s plan to reverse the evil consequences of sin; fully redeemed universe.
   • Material creation is valuable; we will dwell in a perfect creation with God.

Summary

• Anticipate Jesus’ return with hope and responsibility.
• Focus on fulfilling the Great Commission while awaiting His return and judgment.
• Confident in the promise of resurrection and new creation.

Discussion Time

• Engage with small group leaders for further discussions and questions.