A Study on the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 13 – Of Sanctification
The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) provides a rich, biblically grounded definition of sanctification. Chapter 13 emphasizes both the definitive and progressive aspects of sanctification, rooting the entire work in the finished work of Christ and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit. The section highlighted captures the heart of this doctrine—its foundation, process, struggle, and ultimate hope.
Below is a detailed theological and pastoral study of this chapter.
1. Sanctification Begins With Effectual Calling and Regeneration
“They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them…”
Meaning
Sanctification does not begin with human effort. It begins with God’s sovereign work in salvation. Those whom God effectually calls (WCF Ch. 10) are regenerated by the Holy Spirit (WCF Ch. 10.2), given:
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A new heart (Ezek. 36:26)
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A new spirit (Ezek. 36:27)
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New desires and affections oriented toward God
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Spiritual life where there was previously death (Eph. 2:1–5)
Definitive Sanctification
The confession emphasizes that believers are first made holy in principle by God’s act of regeneration. They are set apart as God’s own.
This foundational change is:
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Real
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Lasting
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Impossible to reverse
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The beginning of all true spiritual growth
Without this definitive sanctification, no progressive sanctification—daily growth in holiness—is possible.
2. The Source and Power of Sanctification
“…are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection.”
Christ as the Source
Sanctification is not merely moral improvement or behavior modification. It is rooted in the virtue (power, efficacy) of:
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Christ’s death – which breaks sin’s dominion (Rom. 6:6–7)
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Christ’s resurrection – which brings new life and the power to obey (Rom. 6:4, 11)
This echoes Paul’s statements in Romans 6: our union with Christ means we truly participate in His death to sin and His resurrection life.
Real and Personal
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Real – not imagined, symbolic, or merely legal
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Personal – not mechanical, distant, or abstract
Sanctification touches the whole person: mind, will, affections, body, desires, and habits.
The Holy Spirit’s Application
The Spirit continually applies Christ’s work to believers, forming Christ in them (Gal. 4:19), empowering obedience (Phil. 2:13), and producing spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22–23).
3. Sanctification Is Throughout Yet Imperfect
“This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part…”
Throughout the Whole Person
Sanctification affects every aspect of human nature:
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Intellect (renewing of the mind – Rom. 12:2)
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Will (inclined toward holiness – Phil. 2:13)
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Emotions (new affections – Col. 3:2)
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Physical body (instruments of righteousness – Rom. 6:13)
Nothing is left unchanged.
Yet Imperfect in This Life
Even though the whole man is sanctified, the work is not perfected before death.
There remain “remnants of corruption”:
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In thoughts
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In desires
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In motives
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In habits
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In bodily appetites
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In actions
This realistic assessment guards us from:
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Perfectionism (thinking believers can be sinless in this life)
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Despair (thinking we must never progress)
The Christian life includes both substantial renewal and ongoing struggle.
4. The Continual and Irreconcilable War
“…whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”
The Conflict Described
Sanctification does not eliminate spiritual conflict; it creates it.
Before regeneration, there is no battle—sin reigns uncontested.
After regeneration, the believer experiences:
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A new nature that loves God
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An old nature that resists Him
This results in an internal, lifelong conflict (Gal. 5:17).
The War Is:
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Continual – no ceasefire
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Irreconcilable – no peace treaty with sin
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Dual-sided – flesh vs. Spirit
Pastoral Insight
Feeling this conflict is a sign of spiritual life.
A believer struggling with sin is not failing at sanctification—he is participating in it.
5. The Outcome: The Regenerate Part Overcomes
“In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome.”
Realistic: Corruption May Prevail for a Time
This acknowledges that Christians may:
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Experience seasons of defeat
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Stumble into serious sin
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Feel cold, weak, or discouraged
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Battle entrenched patterns
Yet these seasons are temporary for true believers.
Hopeful: The Spirit Ensures Ultimate Victory
The confession is clear: sin may win battles, but it cannot win the war.
Why?
Because believers receive:
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A continual supply of strength
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From the sanctifying Spirit
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Who applies the victory of Christ
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To the regenerate nature, which ultimately grows, perseveres, and overcomes
Victory Is Guaranteed
The Spirit ensures:
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Growth (2 Cor. 3:18)
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Perseverance (Phil. 1:6)
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Final triumph (Rom. 8:13)
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Conformity to Christ (Rom. 8:29)
Our confidence rests not in our faithfulness, but in His.
6. Summary of Westminster’s Teaching on Sanctification
Sanctification Is:
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Rooted in regeneration – new heart, new spirit
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Grounded in Christ’s death and resurrection
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Real, personal, and transformative of the whole person
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Lifelong and imperfect — remnants of sin remain
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A continual war — flesh vs. Spirit
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Ultimately victorious — by the power of the Spirit
7. Devotional and Pastoral Implications
For Assurance
Struggle is not evidence against salvation; it is consistent with it.
Desiring holiness—even imperfectly—is itself the work of the Spirit.
For Humility
We cannot sanctify ourselves. Every advance in holiness is grace-driven.
For Hope
Christ will finish the work. The Spirit’s sanctifying presence is unceasing, invincible, and effective.
For Repentance
Because sin remains, repentance remains a normal part of the Christian life—not a mark of failure but a mark of growth.
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