An Exposition of the Assembly's
Shorter Catechism

by

John Flavel

Q35. What is sanctification?
A. 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 mare to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Q. 1. What are the parts of sanctification?
A. Dying unto sin, and living unto God; Romans 6:11. Like. wise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Q. 2. Who is the Author of sanctification?
A. God only; Jude 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father.

Q. 3. What is the instrument of it?
A. The word of God; John 17:17. sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.

Q. 4. What part of man is sanctified?
A. Every part, both of soul and body; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. 5. Is sanctification perfected at once?
A. No; but by degrees; 2 Peter 3:18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Q. 6. When will it be made perfect?
A. When we come to heaven, and not before; 1 Corinthians 13:10-11. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Q. 7. What are the signs of true sanctification?
A. When it runs into all parts of our conversation; 1 Peter 1:15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Secondly And continues to the end; Revelation 22:11. Let him that is holy be holy still.

Q. 8. What is the inseparable companion of sanctification?
A. Righteousness towards men; Luke 1:74-75. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness, and righteousness before him all the days of our life.

Q. 9. What is opposite to sanctification?
A. All filthiness of flesh and spirit; 2 Corinthians 7:1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.

Q. 10. What is the privilege of the sanctified?
A. They are all elected, and shall he glorified; 1 Peter 1:2, 4. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit. . . to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

Q. 11. What is the case of them who live and die unsanctified?
A. They shall never see God; Hebrews 12:14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness; without which no man shall see the Lord.

Q. 12. What differenceth true from pretended sanctification?
A. True sanctification purgeth the heart from the love of sin; Romans 7:15. For that which I do, I allow not. And the life from the dominion of sin; Romans 6:19. As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness, and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness.

Q. 13. May great sinners be sanctified?
A. Yes; the Spirit of God can sanctify the vilest heart; 1 Corinthians 6:11. And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified.