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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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