Third Use of the Law
Sanctification
Law and Gospel · 6 verses
The law guides believers in the lifelong process of sanctification, marking out the path of increasing conformity to Christ. While justification is instantaneous and complete, sanctification is gradual and progressive, requiring both divine enablement and human effort. The law shows believers what holiness looks like in practice, exposing remaining sin and pointing toward fuller obedience. Thus the law serves as an instrument of the Spirit in transforming justified sinners into the image of the glorified Son.
Scripture References
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”