REFORMED ARMINIAN VIEW OF THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION

This theological perspective combines elements from both Reformed theology and Arminianism, emphasizing God's grace, human responsibility, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

The Purpose of Sanctification

For Jacobus Arminius, sanctification is a gracious act of God that purifies the believer. Here are the key points:

1. Definition: Sanctification involves God's work of purifying the believer who is both a sinner and a believer.

2. Process: It includes being cleansed from ignorance, indwelling sin, and sinful desires. The believer is infused with the Spirit of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness.

3. Goal: Sanctification aims to separate the believer from the world's life and make them conformed to God's image.

4. Christian Journey: Arminius likens the Christian life to "a pilgrim's progress", where believers continually grow in holiness [1].

The Two Aspects of Sanctification

Arminius identifies two essential aspects of sanctification:

1. Mortification: This involves putting to death the old sinful nature (the "old man") that lives by the flesh. It's a process of overcoming sinful habits and desires.

2. Quickening: The new nature (the "new man") is revived and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The believer is transformed to live righteously and in conformity with God's will.

Wrestling Between Flesh and Spirit

Arminius vividly describes the struggle between the old and new natures as a wrestling match. This imagery draws from passages like Galatians 5:17, which contrasts the desires of the flesh with those of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:12 also portrays the Christian as wrestling against spiritual forces of evil¹.

Romans 7 and Sanctification

Arminius interprets Romans 7 differently from many of his contemporaries. While most theologians saw this chapter as describing the Christian's battle with sin, Arminius viewed it as depicting the unregenerate person in sin's bondage. This perspective highlights the need for God's sanctifying grace in the believer's life.

Ongoing Process

Arminius emphasizes that sanctification is not completed in a single moment. Instead, it involves gradual growth. Sin weakens day by day, and the inner person is renewed while the outer person perishes. The believer carries the death of Christ within, progressively becoming more like Christ [2].

Contemporary Arminianism

Interestingly, contemporary Arminianism, influenced by John Wesley, often teaches that entire sanctification is both possible and expected for believers. This differs from Arminius' view, which aligns more closely with standard Reformed theology of his time [3].

In summary, the Reformed Arminian view of sanctification underscores God's grace, the believer's active participation, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. It's a journey toward holiness, marked by wrestling, growth, and conformity to God's image. Biblical support for this view can be found in passages like Romans 6, Galatians 5, and Ephesians 4.

Footnote:

[1] Arminius on the Sanctification of the Believer - Helwys Society Forum. https://www.helwyssocietyforum.com/arminius-on-the-sanctification-of-the-believer/.

(2) Arminianism: Backgrounds and Beginnings - Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/book/31986/chapter/267751230.

(3) Arminianism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arminianism.