God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

(3) The goal [perfecting] - GLORIFICATION

Like the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of

(a) Rom. 8.18; 1 John 3.2

(b) NOTE: The end goal of our salvation is that we will have a new body, soul, and spirit which is freed from sin, sickness, and death, and we will live in a new world where God is King and righteousness reigns.

sanctification has been a source of disagreement among Christians. Refer to the appendix for more information.

b. The goal of all sanctification is Christlikeness.

(1) Rom. 8.29-30

(2) 1 John 2.1-6

(3) [Sanctification is] the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die to sin and live unto righteousness ( The Westminister Catechism ).

B. The Spirit’s work in sanctification

Although we are sinners, God substitutes Christ’s holy life for our own. Christ’s sinless life and death as a sacrifice for sin justified all who believe. Christ’s holiness is substituted for their sinfulness. This is imputed holiness (justification). However, God does not intend to simply forgive our sins. He intends to transform us into holy people who actually become like his Son in our thoughts, words and actions. This is imparted holiness (sanctification). The Spirit is the one who actually gives us the desire to become holy and the power to live a holy life.

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1. The Holy Spirit is at war with evil.

a. Cosmic: Everywhere in the universe that God’s good rule and care is rebelled against, the Spirit is at work to restore things and make them right again.