Q.35. What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace,[i] whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God,[k] and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.[l]

[i] 2 Thess. 2:13.

[k] Eph. 4:23,24.

[l] Rom. 6:4,6. Rom. 8:1.

We are here taught,

1. That sanctification is a work of God’s free and undeserved grace or mercy.

2. That sanctification is a progressive work, or a work carried on by degrees.

3. That, in sanctification, there is a renewing of the sinner’s mind.

4. That, in sanctification, the renewal, though gradual, is complete, or extends to the whole man.

5. That, in sanctification, the sinner is renewed after the image or likeness of God.

6. That, in the progress of sanctification, the sinner is enabled to die unto sin.

7. That, in the progress of sanctification, the sinner is enabled to live unto righteousness.

8. That dying to sin, and living to righteousness, is a constant and daily work.