Statement of Faith

We believe that sanctification, which is a setting-apart unto God, is threefold:

1) Sanctification is already complete for every saved person because his position toward God is the same as Christ’s position. Since the believer is in Christ, he is set apart unto God in the measure in which Christ is set apart unto God.

2) We believe, however, that he retains his sin nature, which cannot be eradicated in this life. When Paul says your “old man” is crucified with Him in Romans 6:6, he is not saying that the old nature is eradicated or annihilated. Paul is saying that since the old man was crucified he is no longer powerless, ungodly, a slave to sin, and an enemy of God. The regenerated man has been declared righteous from sin, acquitted and perfect in Christ. However, provision has been made for victory over the sin nature. He is no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness. Therefore, while the standing of the Christian in Christ is perfect, his present state is not more perfect than his experience in daily life. There is, consequently, a progressive sanctification wherein the Christian is to “grow in grace,” and to be changed by the unhindered power of the Spirit.

3) We also believe, that the child of God will yet be fully sanctified in his state as he is now sanctified in his standing in Christ when he shall see his Lord and shall be “like Him” (1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:10-14; Romans 6:1-5; John 17:17-19; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:24; 5:25-27; Hebrews 12:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18).