Theological term
Indwelling Sin
2 sermons · All terms
Of Sanctification (2LCF 13)
What does it mean to be sanctified, and how does that work itself out in the Christian life? Working from 2LCF Chapter 13 and Ephesians 4:17–24 as a core text, this teaching distinguishes definitive sanctification — the once-for-all, irreversible breach with the dominion of sin that occurs at union with Christ — from the progressive sanctification that follows as the Spirit applies Christ's death and resurrection to the believer's daily conflict with the flesh, the world, and the devil. The confession's three paragraphs frame the exposition: the inception and source of sanctification in Christ's virtue, the imperfect yet real struggle with indwelling sin, and the certain progress of grace toward evangelical obedience. Believers are called to reckon themselves dead to sin, take up the means of grace daily, and press on toward holiness as those who are already God's special possession.
Our Present Suffering vs. Our Future Glory
Romans 8:18 presents the Apostle Paul's carefully weighed reckoning of present Christian suffering set against the future glory promised to the children of God. This sermon expounds three dimensions of that verse: the nature of suffering in this present age, the content of the coming glory — reigning with Christ, being conformed to His image, and beholding Him face to face — and the accounting exercise by which Paul concludes that present afflictions are not worthy to be compared with what awaits the redeemed. Believers are exhorted to lift their eyes from present groaning to the certain inheritance secured in Christ, while the unconverted are warned that refusing Christ forfeits not only that glory but ensures a far worse eternal reckoning.