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The Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism
1. Those who are effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them. They are additionally sanctified, actually and personally, by the power of Christ's death and resurrection and by his word and Spirit dwelling in them.[1] The power of sin ruling over the whole body is destroyed,[2] and the desires of the old self are more and more weakened and killed.[3]At the same time the ability to practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,[4] is brought to life and strengthened by all the saving graces.[5]
[1] 1 Cor 6:11, Acts 20:32, Phil 3:10, Rom 6:5-6, Jn 17:17,19, Eph 5:26, 2 Thes 2:13, 1 Cor 1:30.
[3] Gal 5:24, Rom 8:13, Col 3:5.
[4] 2 Cor 7:1, Heb 12:14, Col 1:28, 4:12.
[5] Col 1:10-11, Eph 3:16-19, 2 Pt 3:13-14.
2. This sanctification works in the whole person,[6] but not completely or perfectly in this life. The old sinful nature retains some of its control in body, mind, and spirit. And so a continual and irreconcilable war goes on in every believer. The old nature tries to get its way in opposition to the Spirit, and the Spirit fights to assert its authority over the flesh.[7]
[7] 1 Jn 1:10, Rom 7:18,23, Phil 3:12, Gal 5:17, 1 Pt 2:11.
3. Although the old nature temporarily wins battles in this warfare,[8] the continual strengthening of the sanctifying Spirit of Christ enables the regenerate nature in each believer to overcome.[9] And so the saints grow in grace,[10] perfecting holiness in the fear of God.[11]
[9] Rom 6:14, 1 Jn 5:4, Eph 4:15-16.
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