Sanctification and Monergism in Christian Theology
Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, a work of God's Spirit that extends to the entire person [1]. It involves more than mere moral reformation; it is the ongoing perfection of the work begun in regeneration, bringing the whole nature under the influence of new, gracious principles [1]. This process is understood as a separation to the service of God [2].
The Bible presents sanctification as a divine work, effected by God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit [2]. For instance, Ezekiel 37:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23 indicate God's role, while Hebrews 2:11 and 13:12 point to Christ's involvement [2]. The Holy Spirit's specific office in the plan of redemption is to carry on this work [1]. Romans 15:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:11 highlight the Spirit's role in sanctification [2]. Believers are considered "in Christ" for sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2) and are sanctified through Christ's atonement (Hebrews 10:10; 13:12) [2].
The Word of God also plays a crucial role in sanctification. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17) [2, 6]. Matthew Henry interprets this as a prayer for believers to be made holy, confirming the work of sanctification already present in them [6]. John Gill describes internal sanctification as the work of the Spirit, implanting spiritual life, divine light, and grace in the heart, leading to external holiness of life [3].
Monergism, in the context of sanctification, emphasizes that God alone is the primary agent in this process. While believers are called to participate in holiness, the ultimate power and initiation come from God. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" [3]. This divine will underscores God's active role. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord," honoring Him as holy in their hearts, which is where God's holiness is glorified by the indwelling Spirit [4]. This perspective aligns with the understanding that God's glory and virtue, through His promises, have a sanctifying effect on the believer, assimilating them to God [7].
The concept of sanctification should not be misunderstood as an encouragement to continue in sin, expecting grace to abound more [5]. Instead, it should lead to the mortification of sin [2]. All saints are considered to be in a state of sanctification (Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Corinthians 6:11), and the church is made glorious by it (Ephesians 5:26-27) [2].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sanctification — Is separation to the service of God -- Ps 4:3; 2Co 6:17. Effected by God. -- Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1:1. Christ. -- Heb 2:11; 13:12. The Holy Spirit. -- Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11. In Christ -- 1Co 1:2. Through the atonement of Christ -- Heb 10:10; 13:12. Through the word of God -- Joh 17:17,19; Eph 5:26. Christ made, of God, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Saints elected to salvation through -- 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2. All saints are in a state of -- Ac 20:32; 26:18; 1Co 6:11. The Church made glorious by -- Eph 5:26,27. Should lead to Mortification of sin. -- 1Th 4:3,4. Ho”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what ”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3:15: sanctify--hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mat 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. the Lord God--The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." and--Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. answer--an apologetic answer defending your faith. to every man that asketh you--The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, ”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 6:1: The apostle's transition, which joins this discourse with the former, is observable: "What shall we say then? Rom 6:1. What use shall we make of this sweet and comfortable doctrine? Shall we do evil that good may come, as some say we do? Rom 3:8. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Shall we hence take encouragement to sin with so much the more boldness, because the more sin we commit the more will the grace of God be magnified in our pardon? Is this a use to be made of it?" No, it is an abuse, and the apostle startles at the thought of it (Rom 6:2): "Go”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 17:17: The next thing he prayed for for them was that they might be sanctified; not only kept from evil, but made good. I. Here is the petition (Joh 17:17): Sanctify them through thy truth, through thy word, for thy word is truth; it is true - it is truth itself. He desires they may be sanctified, 1. As Christians. Father, make them holy, and this will be their preservation, Th1 5:23. Observe here, (1.) The grace desired - sanctification. The disciples were sanctified, for they were not of the world; yet he prays, Father sanctify them, that is, [1.] "Confirm the work of s”
- 2 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Peter 1:4: Whereby, &c.--By His glory and virtue: His glory making the "promises" to be exceeding great; His virtue making them "precious" [BENGEL]. Precious promises are the object of precious faith. given--The promises themselves are a gift: for God's promises are as sure as if they were fulfilled. by these--promises. They are the object of faith, and even now have a sanctifying effect on the believer, assimilating him to God. Still more so, when they shall be fulfilled. might, &c.--Greek, "that ye MAY become partakers of the divine nature," even now in p”