Sanctification as Shaping Clay in the Potter's Hands
Sanctification as Shaping Clay in the Potter's Hands
The concept of sanctification is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, including the metaphor of clay in the potter's hands. This metaphor, drawn from Jeremiah 18:4-6 and Isaiah 64:8, illustrates God's sovereign power to shape and mold believers into vessels fit for His purposes [7, 9].
The biblical basis for sanctification is multifaceted. In the New Testament, Ephesians 5:26 describes Christ's action of sanctifying the church through the washing of water by the word [1]. Similarly, 1 Timothy 4:5 notes that food is sanctified through the word of God and intercession, highlighting the role of God's word in the sanctification process [3]. Torrey's Topical Textbook underscores that sanctification is effected by God, through Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the Trinitarian nature of this doctrine [2].
The metaphor of clay and potter is pivotal in understanding God's role in sanctification. Jeremiah 18:4-6 presents God as the potter who has the power to shape and reshape the clay (Israel) according to His will. John Gill's commentary on Jeremiah 18:4 explains that this passage illustrates God's sovereign power over His creatures, likening it to a potter's authority over clay [7]. Similarly, Isaiah 64:8 portrays the relationship between God and His people using the potter-clay imagery, with the plea for God to mold them unto salvation as their Father and Potter [9].
The process of sanctification involves separation to God's service and purification. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, sanctification includes separation to God's service, as seen in Psalm 4:3 and 2 Corinthians 6:17. It is also effected through the atonement of Christ and the word of God, as indicated in Hebrews 10:10 and John 17:17,19 [2]. Matthew Henry's commentary on John 17:17 highlights Jesus' prayer for the sanctification of His disciples through God's truth, which is the word of God [5].
Different Christian traditions interpret and articulate the doctrine of sanctification in various ways, but all emphasize its biblical roots and the transformative work of God. For instance, the Presbyterian tradition, as reflected in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 Peter 3:15, emphasizes sanctifying Christ as Lord in one's heart, aligning with the broader Christian understanding of sanctification as a process of making believers holy [4].
The Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, represented by Adam Clarke's commentary on James 4:8, focuses on the practical aspects of sanctification, such as cleansing one's hands and purifying one's heart, underscoring the need for a changed life [8]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as seen in John Gill's works, stresses God's sovereignty in sanctification, using the potter-clay metaphor to illustrate God's power to shape believers [6, 7].
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 5:26 (Geneva1599) — That hee might sanctifie it, and clense it by the washing of water through the worde,”
- 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”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:5 (YLT) — for it is sanctified through the word of God and intercession.”
- 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, ”
- 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”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 9:20: Hath not the potter power over the clay,.... By the power the potter has over the clay, to shape it in what form he pleases, and out of it to make what vessels he pleases, and for what purposes he thinks fit, which will be most to his own advantage, the apostle expresses the sovereign and unlimited powder which God has over his creatures; the passages referred to, are Isa 64:8, in which God is represented as the potter, and men as clay in his hands; now if the potter has such power over the clay which he did not make, only has made a purchase of, or has it in his poss”
- Jeremiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jeremiah 18:4: Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. While he was in the potter's house, and after he had observed his manner of working, and the change he had made in his work, the Lord spoke to him, and applied it in the following manner. Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. While he was in the potter's house, and after he had observed his manner of working, and the change he had made in his work, the Lord spoke to him, and applied it in the following manner. Jeremiah 18:6 jer 18:6 jer 18:6 jer 18:6O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? s”
- James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 4:8: Draw nigh to God - Approach Him, in the name of Jesus, by faith and prayer, and he will draw nigh to you - he will meet you at your coming. When a soul sets out to seek God, God sets out to meet that soul; so that while we are drawing near to him, he is drawing near to us. The delicacy and beauty of these expressions are, I think, but seldom noted. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners - This I think to be the beginning of a new address, and to different persons; and should have formed the commencement of a new verse. Let your whole conduct be changed; cease to do evil learn”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 64:8: father-- (Isa 63:16). clay . . . potter-- (Isa 29:16; Isa 45:9). Unable to mould themselves aright, they beg the sovereign will of God to mould them unto salvation, even as He made them at the first, and is their "Father."”