Heidelcast Heidelminicast: What is Reformed Theology (Part 12): Sanctification
30 snips
Mar 10, 2026 A clear take on why justification comes before sanctification and how that shapes the Christian life. A definition of sanctification as God’s renewing work and the Spirit’s role in regeneration. The twofold process of mortification and vivification and the ongoing struggle with indwelling sin. Rejection of instant perfection and how the Spirit’s work offers assurance and newness of life.
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Justification Comes Before Sanctification
- Justification precedes sanctification: we are declared righteous by grace through faith now, not because of perfect obedience.
- Scott Clark contrasts this with pre-Reformation reversal that tied justification to completed sanctification, which would deny present assurance.
Sanctification Is God’s Work Not Ours
- Sanctification is God’s work of renewing the whole person by grace, enabling dying to sin and living to righteousness.
- Clark cites the Westminster Shorter Catechism: sanctification is God-enabled renewal after God’s image.
Good Works Show Faith But Do Not Justify
- New life from the Spirit necessarily produces fruit; true faith manifests as works but those works don't justify.
- Clark references Belgic Confession and Galatians 5: faith works through love as evidence of regeneration.
