Faculty Lecture Series—Biblical Sanctification, Day 1
Notes from Dr. Richard Mayhue on the topic “Sanctification: the Biblical Basis”
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We opened this morning with the fitting hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.”
“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”—Lev 19:2
“but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”—1 Pet 1:15–16
Common terms for us in the New Testament: Christian, doulos (slave), disciple, brother, saint
Saint is the strangest, most unlikely, most undeserved term. Why does God call us this?
1st concept of sanctification: Sabbath rest of Genesis 2.
Mayhue starts well by sharing verses that speak to God’s work in sanctification. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified.
I. Primer on Sanctification
sozo soteria soterion | hagiazo hagiasmos hagios | |
Past | Titus 3:5 | 1 Cor 6:11 Such were some of you. Washing and sanctification took place! |
Present | Phil 2:12 You are saved, but you are not quite there yet. | 1 The 4:3–4, 7 God’s will is that we will be sanctified from uncleanness. |
Future God has not completed it yet. | Rom 13:11 | 1 The 5:23 Our sanctification is not yet entire, but it will be one day. |
One other word group is for “perfect” or “complete.” This will be present in the journal.
II. Patterns in Sanctification
Time Sequence | Primary Agent | Primary Means | Effects | Primary Results | Personal Outcomes | Spiritual Realities | |
1. | Past | Father | Gospel | Inauguration | Position | Justification Just. and sanct. are not interchangeable | Forensic Declaration |
2. | Present | Holy Spirit | Scripture This is why TMS is so committed to training students in the Word. Sant. doesn't come from man’s ideas. | Continuation | Progression | Spiritual Maturation | Obedient Submission |
3. | Future | Son | Resurrection | Culmination | Perfection | Glorification | Supernatural Completions |
III. Particulars of Sanctification
A. Inauguration
- Acts 20:32
- Acts 26:18
- 1 Cor 1:2—the Corinthians were unworthy, but they were saints called by Christ.
- 1 Cor 1:30—by HIS doing.
- 1 Cor 6:11
- Eph 5:26—sanctification of the church as a whole.
- 1 Thess 4:7
- 2 Thess 2:13
- Heb 10:10
- Heb 10:14
- Heb 12:14—without progressive sanctification, you prove that you are not a true believer.
- 1 Pet 1:2
B. Continuation
- John 17:17
- Rom 6:19
- Rom 6:22
- 2 Cor 7:1—this cannot refer to salvation.
- 1 Thess 4:3
- 1 Thess 4:4
- 2 Tim 2:21
- 1 Pet 3:15
- Rev 22:11
C. Culmination—1 Thess 5:23 (cf. 1 Thess 3:13).
IV. Preview of Coming Attractions
A. Dr. Snider Sanctification and Justification—the Relationship
B. Dr. Barrick Sanctification—The Work of the Holy Spirit and Scripture
C. Dr. Essex Sanctification—Biblically Identifiable Fruit
D. Dr. Holland Sanctification—The Pastor’s Role
V. Publications about Sanctification
Alexander, Donald., ed. Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1988.
Dieter, Melvin E., ed. Five Views on Sanctification. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987.
*Holloman, Henry W. “Part VIII: Sanctification,” in Understanding Christian Theology, edited by Charles R. Windoll and Roy B. Zuck, 945–1075. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003.
Lesta, Kenneth A. “The Nature of Sanctification in the New Testament.” Greenville, SC: Bob Jones University, 1979 (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation).
MacArthur, John F. Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles. Dallas: Word, 1993.
Mayhue, Richard. Seeking God. Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus, 2000.
*Peterson, David. Possessed By God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
Prior, Kenneth. The Way of Holiness, rev.ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1982.
Toon, Peter. Justification and Sanctification. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1983.