Using Non-Biblical Examples to Illustrate Sanctification and Growth
Sanctification and Growth: Using Non-Biblical Examples
The concept of sanctification is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the process of being set apart for God's service and growing in holiness. Sanctification involves the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing the whole nature under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul during regeneration [1]. This process is not limited to a mere moral reformation but is a continuous work that extends to the entire being.
To illustrate this concept, various non-biblical examples can be employed. For instance, the growth of a tree or a plant is a common metaphor used to describe spiritual growth. Calvin uses the metaphor of trees regaining their vigor after being overgrown with weeds to illustrate the effect of Christ's grace on the Church [5]. Similarly, the process of building upon a foundation is another example used to convey the idea of growth in sanctification. Adam Clarke notes that believers are to be "rooted and built up" in Christ, much like a tree taking root and a building being constructed upon a foundation [4].
The biblical basis for sanctification is found in various passages, including 1 Thessalonians 4:7, which states that God has called believers "in sanctification" [3]. The process involves separation to God's service, as seen in Psalm 4:3, and is effected by God through the Holy Spirit [2]. Christ is also made sanctification to believers, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:30 [2].
In illustrating sanctification, it is essential to note that it is a gradual process. John Gill comments on 2 Peter 3:18, emphasizing the need to "grow in grace" and highlighting that the work of grace is gradual, much like the growth of a grain of mustard seed [6]. This growth is not solely dependent on human effort but is facilitated by the Holy Spirit and the word of God [2].
The use of non-biblical examples to illustrate sanctification and growth serves to make the concept more relatable and understandable. By drawing parallels between natural processes and spiritual growth, believers can better comprehend the nature of sanctification and its significance in their lives. As seen in the commentary on Colossians 2:7, the metaphors of rooting and building are used to convey the idea of growth and establishment in faith [4].
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”
- I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 4:7 (YLT) — for God did not call us on uncleanness, but in sanctification;”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 2:7: Rooted and built up in him - It is not usual with the apostle to employ this double metaphor, taken partly from the growth of a tree and the increase of a building. They are to be rooted; as the good seed had been already sown, it is to take root, and the roots are to spread far, wide, and deep. They are to be grounded; as the foundation has already been laid, they are to build thereon. In the one case, they are to bear much fruit; in the other, they are to grow up to be a habitation of God through the Spirit. See the notes on Eph 2:21, Eph 2:22 (note); Eph 3:17 ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 3.4: will be the effect of the grace of Christ, by whose power and might those places which had been overgrown with filthy and noxious weeds “flourish” exceedingly and regain their vigor. This repetition is used for the sake of amplification. The doubling of the word “flourish” may be taken in two senses; either to denote the prolongation of time in incessant vegetation; as if he had said, “It shall not flourish with a passing or fading blossom, so as to return immediately to the foul condition in which it once was, but with a continual, uninterrup”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace,.... In the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase. And though men are to be thankful for their gifts, and be contented with them, yet they may lawfully desire more, and in the use of means seek an increase of them, which may be a means of preserving themselves, and others, from the error of the wicked. Moreover, by "grace" may be meant internal grace. The work of grace is gradual; it is like a grain of mustard seed, or like seed cas”