Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

without it, and are therefore always accompanied by it, Rom. 6:3; I Cor. 12:13; Tit. 3:5; I
Pet, 3:21.
3. PROVIDENTIAL GUIDANCE. God’s providences, both favorable and adverse, are
often powerful means of sanctification. In connection with the operation of the Holy
Spirit through the Word, they work on our natural affections and thus frequently
deepen the impression of religious truth and force it home. It should be borne in mind
that the light of God’s revelation is necessary for the interpretation of His providential
guidances, Ps. 119:71; Rom. 2:4; Heb. 12:10.
G. RELATION OF SANCTIFICATION TO OTHER STAGES IN THE
ORDO SALUTIS.
It is of considerable importance to have a correct conception of the relation between
sanctification and some of the other stages in the work of redemption.
1. TO REGENERATION. There is both difference and similarity here. Regeneration is
completed at once, for a man cannot be more or less regenerated; he is either dead or
alive spiritually. Sanctification is a process, bringing about gradual changes, so that
different grades may be distinguished in the resulting holiness. Hence we are
admonished to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, II Cor. 7:1. The Heidelberg
Catechism also presupposes that there are degrees of holiness, when it says that even
“the holiest men, when in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience.” 91 At
the same time regeneration is the beginning of sanctification. The work of renewal,
begun in the former, is continued in the latter, Phil. 1:6. Strong says: “It (sanctification) is
distinguished from regeneration as growth from birth, or as the strengthening of a holy
disposition from the original impartation of it.” 92
2. TO JUSTIFICATION. Justification precedes and is basic to sanctification in the
covenant of grace. In the covenant of works the order of righteousness and holiness was
just the reverse. Adam was created with a holy disposition and inclination to serve God,
but on the basis of this holiness he had to work out the righteousness that would entitle
him to eternal life. Justification is the judicial basis for sanctification. God has the right
to demand of us holiness of life, but because we cannot work out this holiness for
ourselves, He freely works it within us through the Holy Spirit on the basis of the
righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is imputed to us in justification. The very fact that
91 Q. 114.
92 Syst. Theol., p. 871.
596