A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger CatechismRidgley, Thomas
Religion
A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism
2. It may farther be observed, that sanctification as described in this
answer, may be considered as including in it several other graces, some
of which have been already insisted on, namely, regeneration, effectual
calling, and faith; and there is another grace connected with it, which
will be particularly insisted on under the next answer, namely,
repentance unto life; all which graces are said to be wrought by the
powerful operation of the Spirit, in those who were, before the
foundation of the world, chosen to be holy. Regeneration is styled, by
some, initial sanctification, as all graces take their first rise from
the principle which is therein implanted. Effectual calling, or
conversion, is that whereby we are brought into the way of holiness, and
internally disposed to walk therein. Faith is that grace whereby this
work is promoted, as all holy actions proceed from it, as deriving
strength from Christ, to perform them. And repentance is that whereby
the work of sanctification discovers itself, in the soul’s abhorring,
and flying from, every thing that tends to defile it; approves itself to
God as one, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity without the
greatest detestation. But inasmuch as these graces either have been, or
will be particularly insisted on, in their proper place, we shall more
especially consider sanctification as a progressive work, whereby it is
distinguished from them, by which we daily consecrate, or devote
ourselves to God; and our actions have all a tendency to advance his
glory; and, by the Spirit, we are enabled more and more to die unto sin,
and to live unto righteousness; so that it is not barely one single act
of grace, but it contains in it the whole progress of the work of grace,
as gradually carried on till perfected in glory: this is what we are to
speak particularly to. And,
I. It includes in it a continual devotedness to God. As the first act of
faith consists in a making a surrender of ourselves to Christ, depending
on his assistance in beginning the work of obedience in the exercise of
all Christian graces; so sanctification is the continuance thereof. When
we are first converted, we receive Christ Jesus the Lord; and in
sanctification we walk in him, and exercise a daily dependence on him in
the execution of all his offices; make his word our rule, and delight in
it after the inward man. How difficult soever the duties are that he
commands, we take pleasure in the performance of them, make religion our
great business, and in order thereunto conclude, that every thing we
receive from him is to be improved to his glory. And as every duty is to
be performed by faith; so what has been before observed concerning the
life of faith, is to be considered as an expedient to promote the work
of sanctification.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account