A Layman’s Guide to Sanctification
doctrine of the image of God. That is what sanctification is all about.”
I completely and utterly agree with what Dunning says in the previous quote. Sanctification is what God wants of us and we must want it in return.
What does it mean for a human person to be in God’s image? Dunning states in chapter four that the image of God in a human is a “fourfold relation” constituted by the following: a relation to God, other persons, possessions, and submission of oneself to the Creator. Tying along with the fourfold relation, Dunning interconnects the reader with specific happens in the Bible to further explain the Image of God: The Law, The Sermon on the Mount, and the New Testament Epistles.
Discussion is brought up in chapter five about the Holy Spirit and sanctification and how it ties together. Dunning defines this by making it apparent that Gospel writers believe there is a connection between the two. Jesus is tied with a relationship to the Holy Spirit through many things. I agree with Dunning’s words on page 47 about the spirits connection with Jesus Christ. Jesus’ experience gave a forewarning to all of His followers regarding the experience of sin. People should now understand the Spirit’s power as an overwhelming power of suffering love that in all leads one into Christlikeness. Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 13 that the presence of love is in all its radical Christlikeness. The sanctifying spirit is the cause of everyone’s radical life changes. Through humility, forgiveness, love, power and Christlikeness He produces an “output” of Christ. Jesus sanctifies us through relationship with him!
How does the normal person define the word perfection? Although commonly thought of as “without mistakes” or “wholeness”, these definitions are far different than the definitions that are meant through scripture. Many times the word perfect is technically described as, in Biblical terms, “blameless.” So what does it mean to have a “perfect” relationship with God? One might have many insights on this thought and ponder about the answer before thoroughly understanding the definition of perfection. In Matthew 5:48 God says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Although the scripture may seem disturbing to some, I believe that it by no means defines perfect as one would today in the 21st century. Dunning quotes that the word “perfect”, as used in Matthew 5:48 simply means a relation to performing according to one’s situation and purpose (53). John Wesley has constantly spoken of Christian perfection and based his optimism on four foundation stones: promises, prayers, commands, and examples. While describing each, Mr. Wesley simply concludes that the four bases are promises made by God. The Lord speaks to people in various ways. If one feels inspiration to pray to Him, He will find a way to answer and what He asks and demands of His people He will perform the same. All in all, Mr. Wesley concludes that God keeps His promises through [next page]