THE IMPERFECTION OF SANCTIFICATION IN THIS LIFE

By Gary Ray Branscome

The Bible tells us that the very purpose of the law is to show us our sins, and tells us that because the law was given to expose our sins no one “Will ever be declared righteous in God’s sight by doing what the law requires,” (Romans 3:20). That should be perfectly clear. However the Bible goes further to tell us that, “If there had been a law given that could have given life, righteousness truly would have been by the law”. But because no law can make us righteous, the law was given as “Our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be declared righteous by faith” (Galatians 3:21,24). Nevertheless, because “The heart is deceitful above all things,” some try to get around what the Bible says by calling their efforts to “establish their own righteousness” “sanctification,” “obedience” or “holiness” (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 10:3). In saying this I want to make it clear that Biblical “sanctification” is very real, and will result in an improvement in our behavior. However, the words, “No man living is righteous in your sight,” tell us that it will never improve our behavior enough to make us righteous or obedient in the sight of God (Psalm 143:2). For that reason, we need to beware of the false claim that men can make themselves “holy” or “obedient” by their own effort. It should be obvious that if we cannot make ourselves “righteous,” we cannot make ourselves “holy”. Calling “righteousness,” “holiness” or “obedience” does not change a thing. The words, “When you have done everything that you were commanded to do, say, We are unworthy servants: for we have only done what it was our duty to do,” tell us what our attitude should be (Luke 17:10).

The words, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us of all sin,” tell us that we cannot possibly improve on the cleansing from sin that is already ours through faith in Christ (1John 1:7). There is “No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” // “For by one offering He has perfected for ever those who are sanctified” (Romans 8:1, Hebrews 10:14). At the same time the words, “Do not enter into judgment with your servant: for no man living is righteous in your sight,” tell us that it is not our works, but the forgiveness that is ours in Christ, that makes us acceptable to God (Psalm 143:2).

The words, “I inwardly delight in the law of God: But I see another law at work in my members, warring against the law of my mind,” are just another way of saying “The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and they are opposed to each other,” for both passages describe the struggle we have with the flesh (Romans 7:22-23, Galatians 5:17). The words, “The works of the flesh are obvious, which are; Adultery, fornication, sexual filthiness, sensuality, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, rivalry, rage, strife, divisions, heresies, Envy, murder, drunkenness, orgies, and such like: of which I forewarn you, as I have in the past, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God,” describe the kind of behavior that a believer should strive to eliminate in thought word and deed (Galatians 5:19-21). In contrast, the words, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. Since we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit,” describe the kind of behavior that a believer should cultivate (Galatians 5:22-25).

Because our sanctification is never perfect in this life, it is easy for us to fall short. Strife, contention, and bickering seem especially hard to eliminate. Nevertheless, Paul’s words, “You are still carnal: for as long as there is jealousy, strife, and division among you, are you not walking after the flesh, and acting like unsaved men?” sternly rebuke such sins (1Corinthians 3:3). And, the words, “The fleshly mind is hostile to God,” warn us that such behavior needs to be taken seriously (Romans 8:7).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1Corinthians 15:58). “That you might walk worthy of the Lord pleasing in every way, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, so that you might endure all with joyfulness and patience” (Colossians 1:10-11). And, “Speaking the truth in love, may in every way grow up in respect to Him, who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Now, “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you” (1Thessalonians 3:12). “And this is my prayer, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment” (Philippians 1:9). Knowing that, “God is able to make every blessing abound to you; that you, always having everything you need, may abound to every good work” (2Corinthians 9:8).

At the same time, do not let Satan deceive you into thinking that the things you do are what make you righteous or obedient, but keep your eyes on Christ, being ready to confess your sin as did David, saying: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving-kindness: blot out my transgressions according to the multitude of your tender mercies” (Psalm 51:1). “Do not enter into judgment with your servant: for no man living is righteous in your sight” (Psalm 143:2). “O LORD, do not rebuke me in your wrath: or chasten me in your hot displeasure” (Psalm 38:1). “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). For, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9).