The spiritual and theological path from the dead sinner to the walking saint, and on into heaven, is marked by at least seven progressive steps in the doctrine of sanctification. They are: potential sanctification (John 17:17); positional sanctification (I Corinthians 1:2); experiential (crisis) sanctification (Romans 6:1-14); expansional (growth) sanctification (Romans 8:1-5); perfectional (maturity) sanctification (I Thessalonians 5:23); glorificational (in heaven) sanctification (Revelation 22:11); and eternal sanctification throughout the Eternal Golden Age (Revelation 4:8).

The three dangers remain: to neglect the biblical teaching of sanctification, entirely; to legalize the biblical teaching of sanctification, self-righteously; or to avoid the biblical teaching of sanctification, licentiously. But to live the hope of the Christian life without the holiness of God would lead to a wretched wallowing and in the despair of Romans, chapter seven. …

There is a total picture of holiness through the prisms of light granted to us through this revelation from God. And we are witnessing a fading of these facts in our time as cheap grace is preached and easy believism is proposed.

Yet, sanctification extends, through redemption, a separation from sin and apostasy; a cleansing and purifying; and an enablement by the grace of God; that leads to consecration; that results in godliness; that matures in Christian character. This is what is implied in the separation from the world, the flesh, and the devil; this is what is meant by the fact that God's people are different. …

The biblical doctrine of sanctification is both the most neglected and the most misunderstood doctrine of the Christian life. However, it must be honorably taught if we are to consider ourselves upholding the fundamental teachings of the Holy Scriptures. If it is neglected then the Christian convert is left marooned on the island of evangelism; if it is misunderstood then it will hinder the hope of revival among the saints. No doctrine has suffered more at the hands of the believers identified with Christianity in spite of the fact that this necessary and precious teaching must become the experimental doctrine of the church, having presupposed the appropriation by faith, of the fundamentals of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. …