Sanctus Spiritus

'For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.'
- Romans 6:14

I. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them: the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part; whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 13

'An all-important consideration derived from the priority of calling and regeneration is that sin is dethroned in every person who is effectually called and regenerated. Calling unites to Christ (1 Cor. 1:9), and if the person is truly united to Christ he is united to him in the virtue of his death and the power of his resurrection; he is dead to sin, the old man has been crucified, the body of sin has been destroyed, sin does not have dominion (Romans 6:2-6,14).'
-John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, pp. 141-142


Dear Christ Our Redeemer Family and Friends,

There is great hope for us. The same God who has called us from the darkness of sin, unbelief, and rebellion has sent His Spirit to us to deliver us from the domain of sin. In Christ's redemptive work the Holy Spirit has begun the sure and systematic dethronement of sin. Because of the death and resurrection of Christ sin is no longer the predominant and prevailing force in our lives. At times it may seem like it, but this is not the case. The effectual application of Christ's work through the Spirit guarantees that there is a new power at work in us. We have been called by Christ and to Christ and connected to our calling is the sending of the Spirit to us to sanctify us, really and personally. God has definitively cleansed us once and for all, and yet He continually cleanses us, washing away the daily pollutions from sin. He has sanctified us and He is sanctifying us. He is changing us to more resemble Himself, holy and undefiled. This is His work in us. The Holy Spirit is our sure sanctifier. This gives me great hope.

I'm really and truly grateful for the Spirit as our sanctifier,

Pastor Dan