The Spirit and Sanctification (Remastered)

A Sermon on Romans 8.16 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-romans/the-spirit-and-sanctification/ "The effect of the rain and the sunshine is to stimulate, to draw out what's there. It's exactly the same to the Christian. The moment we are born again, this process of sanctification has already started. The seed of life and of holiness is there, yes, but this [special witness of the Spirit] of all things, is the one that causes it to jump up, to grow and to develop and to spring up in a manner that amazes everybody." - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Description In his sermon on Romans 8.16 titled “The Spirit and Sanctification,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers an important question: what does it mean to be sanctified and how does the process of sanctification come about? Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that sanctification comes after salvation and after the Christian’s spirit has been testified by the Spirit of God. This moment in the believer's life is when they become part of God’s family, just as He set apart the Jews in the Old Testament. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives a sturdy definition of sanctification as the process in which a Christian progressively becomes cleansed of sin. This definition raises another question, he says: When is a believer sanctified? Some parties claim the process is instantaneous, occurring right after a person is saved. No, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. There is a difference between justification and sanctification. For if all believers were sanctified at the moment of faith, what purpose does the instruction of the Bible serve? In closing, he reminds the Christian of when they were justified through Christ, aware of God’s grace and the weight of their sin. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points toward sanctification – a process every believer goes through. Sermon Breakdown * Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by reviewing the topic of the spirit bearing witness with our spirits that we are children of God. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones discusses how this experience can be differentiated from a false experience, as the devil attempts to provide counterfeits. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones transitions to discussing the relationship between the spirit bearing witness and sanctification. He notes this has been a source of confusion, as some groups teach a form of "perfectionism" through this experience. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that John Wesley helped originate this confusion by teaching sanctification came through this experience in the 1740s. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks what Scriptural evidence is used to support this teaching. The main passages are Acts 15.9 and Acts 26.18, which speak of purifying hearts by faith and inheriting sanctification by faith. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues the context of these verses shows they are not about sanctification in the theological sense. Acts 15.9 was about justifying the inclusion of Gentiles, not their sanctification. Acts 26.18 was about Gentiles gaining forgiveness and joining the people of God, not sanctification. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes Hebrews 3.12 shows unbelief comes from an evil, unclean heart. So belief must come from a heart purified of unbelief. This is what Acts 15.9 refers to. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines 1 Corinthians 6.9-11, where "sanctified" comes before "justified," showing it has a different meaning. It refers to being set apart to God, not progressive sanctification. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones looks at 2 Thessalonians 2.13, where "sanctification of the Spirit" comes before belief, showing a different meaning. It refers to the Spirit setting apart unto belief, not sanctification as a result of belief. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines 1 Peter 1.2, where "sanctification of the Spirit" leads to belief, showing the Spirit sets apart to belief. This differs from the normal order of belief then sanctification. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on 1 Peter 1.22, where the audience has purified their own souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. This shows belief purifies the heart, as Acts 15:9 said God does. Both mean the same. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues 1 Corinthians 7.14 shows "sanctified" and "holy" do not always mean morally perfect or cleansed of sin. Unbelieving spouses are "sanctified" and children are "holy" through the believing spouse, though not saved. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues the context of the verses, the state of the Corinthian church, and the New Testament's moral exhortations show this teaching of entire sanctification by faith is unbiblical. The verses refer to inclusion in the people of God, not eradication of sin. * Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes there is no direct relationship between the spirit's witness and sanctification. But there is an important indirect one: the experience stimulates and promotes sanctification through a vision of God's holiness and the life to come, though it does not automatically achieve sanctification.