Sanctified by Works?

It is a common enough sentiment that we are saved by faith and not of works so a man cannot boast. This is pure evangelical theology derived from a clear understanding of the gospel of God’s grace. However, it appears to be quite often assumed that even though we are not saved by works, we are sanctified by works. It is this assumption that I wish to question in what follows.

First, let us explain briefly what “saved by faith” actually means. In the entire discussion of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, from which this wonderful passage derives, we see several aspects merge in the pithy soteriological truths that the Apostle underscores.

          “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” Eph. 2:8

Here we see the entire package is a gift. The word saved presents God’s work as an accomplished fact. We notice that grace is emphasized. This is crucial. Earlier in verse 5 Paul said:

          “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

What is significant at this part of the text is that faith is NOT mentioned. Indeed, the work of God’s grace is not dependent on faith. In fact, it is the other way around, faith cannot exist till grace has been effectual in the life of the sinner. So later, when Paul says we are saved by faith, he means not that we are saved because of faith, but that faith is the occasion of our salvation; furthermore, we are saved because of grace, and grace alone! It is in reference to “faith” that it is said, “and this, not of yourselves.” It is God’s grace that brings regeneration, that is, being made alive, also it is through gracious regeneration that God gives faith to the elect sinner. It is the sinner that exercises faith, but he cannot take credit for it.

Why is this important? It is because when we think of sanctification, we must not imagine that we are sanctified because of works. That the Christian life is one where works are present should not be contested. Moreover, this life must not be reduced to a simple equation of “works lead to sanctification” for the very reason that sanctification, or progressive growth in holiness, is an aspect of salvation. And, the entire gift of salvation is by grace, thus sanctification is by grace not by works for the very same reason; that no one may boast in accomplishing anything before the Lord. So how does it work-out?

The works of the believer are also products of God’s grace, and so the life of a Christian will have works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in them [Eph. 2:10]. Our obedient faithfulness is always a result of God’s continued infusion of grace and so our works (and their motivations) are the occasions of our sanctifying by grace. Without the Lord’s effectual work in our lives, we simply cannot will and do His good pleasure [see Phil. 2:13]. Even regenerate hearts need God’s continual upholding in grace as our sinful selves, though truly changed, are in a war where the flesh fights against the Spirit. God does not save us by grace only to leave us to become sanctified by works! His entire work of redemption including all aspects and tenses of salvation are by God’s grace alone.

Our works are products of grace not initiatives of ourselves, not even our regenerate selves. So, let’s be clear on this as we continue to preach the entire counsel of God. Christians should heed Paul’s words:

          As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [by grace through faith],          so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith . . .

We are sanctified by grace. To God Alone be Glory.