Much of the contemporary debate on sanctification stems from Gerhard Forde’s essay “the Lutheran View of Sanctification”, published in the volume Five Views on Sanctification, and republished in The Preached God (these are the page numbers I will be referencing). This article has not only influenced the liberal to moderate circles of which Forde himself was involved, but conservative Lutheranism, and even certain Reformed writers. Forde’s main thesis is that sanctification is simply “the art of getting used to justification.” (226) Forde’s contention is... Read more

There are two senses in which Paul speaks of sanctification. Often it is used in the past tense, referring to the fact that God has made us completely holy in Christ:“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the... Read more

As a follow up to my previous posts, here is the Formula of Concord’s teaching on sanctification:“These words say absolutely nothing about our will, nor do they say that it effects something, even in the newborn human being, of itself, but they ascribe that to the Holy Spirit, which cleanses human beings and daily makes them more upright and holier.” SD II.35“Through the ministry of preaching he brings us into the Christian community, in which he sanctifies us and brings about... Read more

Contemporary Lutherans seem almost afraid of the word “sanctification” or of the concept of the third use of the Law. It is feared that any talk of progress in the Christian life leads into Evangelicalism, Reformed Theology, or even Pietism. Preaching must always utilize a Law-Gospel paradigm without any exhortation unto good works. Remind the people of their sin, then of there savior, that’s all. I even heard a Pastor recently say that the Christian can do no good, only... Read more