10 - Extracts from the Writings of Men

I do not use these extracts to establish what I say, but to illustrate it. Indeed, one of the following extracts shows the consequence of not understanding the biblical principles I have set out.
I start with John Calvin. Calvin, despite his misunderstanding over the law, which he linked so tightly to progressive sanctification, nevertheless could get very close indeed to a biblical view of the believer’s sanctification. Take him commenting on 1 Corinthians 1:2. He began with the believer’s positional sanctification (not that he used the term):
The term ‘sanctification’ denotes separation. This takes place in us when we are regenerated by the Spirit to newness of life, that we may serve God and not the world. For while by nature we are unholy, the Spirit consecrates us to God. As, however, this is effected when we are engrafted into the body of Christ, apart from whom there is nothing but pollution, and as it is also by Christ, and not from any other source that the Spirit is conferred, it is with good reason that he says that we are sanctified in Christ, inasmuch as it is by him that we cleave to God, and in him become new creatures.