Sanctification

We believe sanctification, which is a setting apart unto God, is threefold.  It is already complete for every saved person because his position toward god is the same as Christ’s position.  Since the believer is in Christ, he is set apart unto God.  We believe, however, that he retains his sin nature, which cannot be eradicated in this life.  Therefore, while the standing of the Christian in Christ is perfect, his present state is no more perfect than his experience in daily life.  There is, therefore, a progressive sanctification wherein the Christian is to “grow in grace,” and to “be changed” by the unhindered power of the Spirit.  We believe also, that the child of God will yet be fully sanctified in his state as he is now sanctified in his standing in Christ when he shall see his Lord and shall be “like Him” (John 17:17; II Corinthians 3:18, 7:1; Ephesians 4:24, 5:25-27; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10, 14, 12:10).