1689 13:1-3 Definitive Sanctification | Confessing the Faith

"Definitive sanctification is simply another way of referring to that basic and radical change that takes place in a sinner’s moral and ethical condition when he is united to Christ in effectual calling and regeneration. It reminds us of the fact that progressive sanctification does not take place in a vacuum. It presupposes effectual calling, regeneration, union with Christ and even justification. Regeneration, like sanctification, effects a change in us, that is to say, in our moral character (John 3:3-8; 1 John 2:29; 3:9-10). It initiates the moral change that progressive sanctification enlarges and continues. When we think of sanctification, it is most often of progressive or ongoing sanctification of which we are thinking. Simply in terms of mere frequency, however, this word refers to definitive sanctification more frequently than progressive sanctification."