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Sanctification: The Process of Salvation


                    baptism in the Holy Spirit (or the filling of or receiving of the Holy Spirit).
                    However, these two experiences are quite distinct. When believers were
                    baptized in the Holy Spirit, notice what the accompanying signs were.
                    Jesus  urged  his  disciples  to  stay  in
                    the city until they were clothed with
                    power  from  on  high  to  preach  the
                    good  news  (Luke  24:47–49).  He           Sanctification does
                    added  that  this  experience  would        not mean the same
                    empower  them  to  witness  (Acts  1:8).
                    Acts 2:4, 4:31, and 19:6 indicate that      thing to all groups.
                    Spirit baptism gave believers boldness
                    and it was accompanied by speaking
                    in other tongues.


                       In none of these Scriptures is there any indication that the experience
                    of receiving, being filled with, or being baptized in the Holy Spirit refers to
                    sanctification. Spirit baptism gives power to witness, spiritual boldness,
                    and  the  ability  to  preach  effectively.  It  is  accompanied  by  speaking
                    in other tongues, which is a sign that the experience has taken place.
                    The experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit will affect a person’s
                    separation to God and his conformity to the likeness of Christ. However,
                    it is not the same experience as the progressive work of sanctification
                    that is ongoing in the believer from the new birth until he or she stands
                    in the presence of the Lord.

                    Two Aspects of Sanctification
                       It is vitally important for us to understand that sanctification is both
                    positional and progressive; that is, it is a position the believer occupies
                    in relation to God, and it is also an ongoing experience in his or her life.
                    Sanctification is both instantaneous and progressive.


                       Positional  or  sudden  sanctification  is  not  related  to  a  person’s
                    spirituality, and it has no degrees. For example, one person is not more
                    sanctified  positionally  than  another.  Positional  sanctification  means
                    a change of position by which a corrupt sinner is changed to a holy
                    worshiper. It is one finished work, for Christ Jesus has become our holiness
                    or sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30). On the other hand, progressive
                    sanctification  is  directly  related  to  a  person’s  spiritual  development.
                    Peter appeals to believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our


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