Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - XXXII - Chapter 6 Sanctification

Required reading  

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Read Chapter VI 'Sanctification'.

My summary  

This week Shedd teaches us about sanctification.

We learn that:

(i) sanctification results from the continuation of the agency of the Holy Spirit;

(ii) sanctification includes the entire man;

(iii) sanctification is gradual;

(iv) the means of sanctification are internal and external;

(v) the believer co-operates with God the Spirit in the use of the means of sanctification;

(vi) sanctification though progressive is not complete in this life;

(vii) sanctification once begun is never wholly lost.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed Shedd's explanation of the consistency of the call to sanctification with the perseverance of the believer: 'Exhortations to diligence, and warnings against carelessness and failure are consistent with the certain perseverance of the believer, because : (a) While the certainty is objective in God, it may not be subjective in man. God knows that a particular man will certainly persevere, because he purposes that he shall, and he will realise his purpose by the operation of his Spirit within him ; but the man does not know this unless he has assurance of faith. Many believers do not have this highest degree of faith, and hence are more or less subject to doubts and fears. Exhortations to diligence, and warnings against apostasy, suit such an experience as this. Bat one who is assured of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit would not require to be warned against apostasy, while in this state of assurance. (b) Exhortations to struggle with sin, and warnings against its insidious and dangerous nature, are one of the means employed by the Holy Spirit to secure perseverance. The decree of election includes the means as well as the end. Now if success in the use of means is certain, there is the strongest motive to employ them ; but if success is uncertain, then there is little motive to use them. St. Paul employs the certainty of success as a motive to struggle. 'Fight the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal life, wheretmto thou art called' 1 Tim. 6:12.'

Struggles against sin are a healthy sign and even give assurance that one is saved.

Next week's reading    

Read Chapter VII 'The means of grace'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.