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Study 07 of 18

God's Abounding Grace, Part 6 — Sanctified by Faith

Sanctification is the process of Christ's perfect life becoming our own through the science of faith.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

This session explores the profound concept of being "sanctified by faith," a theme often overshadowed by justification by faith. Schofield clarifies that while Christ's righteousness covers us, there is a point in the Christian experience where this righteousness must be merged into our own lives. As the time approaches when Jesus will cease His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, the saints must stand before God without an intercessor, perfectly reflecting Christ's image. This is not achieved by human effort or simply trying harder to keep the law, which Jones calls the "ministration of death." Instead, it is the result of the "science of faith"—believing God's word so fully that it performs its work within us. True sanctification is allowing Christ to live His perfect life through us, resulting in spontaneous obedience and a character that satisfies the holy law of God.

Key points

  • Sanctification is not just a theory but the practical reality of Christ's life lived in us.
  • The 'science of faith' is essential to understanding how we obey the gospel unto salvation.
  • Standing without an intercessor requires that we have grown up into Christ's perfect righteousness.
  • Trying to keep the law by human effort is the 'ministration of death' and cannot save.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 10:38
  • Luke 18:8
  • Deuteronomy 8:3

From the book

Chapter 7 · Hebrews 10 · Read this chapter

  • “In that fearful time the saints must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor; they must be able to stand before the law of God with no condemnation.” (ch. 7)
  • “We cannot have a healthy Christian experience, we cannot obey the gospel unto salvation, until the science of faith is better understood, and until more faith is exercised.” (ch. 7)
  • “When we reach the point where our faith and trust in God is so full that it doesn’t matter what He says, no matter how impossible it seems, therein will be the righteousness of God revealed.” (ch. 7)

Put it into practice

  • Distinguish between human effort and the work of faith in sanctification.
  • Identify areas where I am still trying to 'work' for my salvation.
  • Practice the 'science of faith' by believing God's word regardless of feelings.
  1. Doctrinal Clarity

    1. What does the author mean by the term 'sanctified by faith'?

  2. Comprehension

    2. Why must the saints eventually stand without an intercessor?

  3. Scripture

    3. What is the 'science of faith' according to the text?

  4. Contrast

    4. How does the author describe the difference between 'trying to keep the law' and 'living by faith'?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What is the standard of righteousness that God requires at this time?

  6. Scripture

    6. According to Luke 18:8, what is Jesus looking for when He returns?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What happens when our faith and trust in God are full?

  8. Application

    8. In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to believe God's word 'no matter how impossible it seems'?