Why Sanctification is Kept Secret

     There is one word hardly spoken in church. Even conservative preachers are afraid of it. That word is "sanctification". It is how Christians demonstrate love for God!
     Most words don't have merely one definition, but most often only one applies. Sanctification is different; all its meanings are applicable: (1) to set apart for religious purposes, (2) to free from sin, (3) to give respect, and (4) the productivity of holiness (Merriam-Webster Dictionary paraphrased). Why are many afraid of that doctrine? Because of Calvinism. That comment is not meant to denigrate the piety of Calvinistic doctrine but to explain why rigid Calvinistic teachings result in denial of the Doctrine of Christ.
     Many are influenced by Calvinism without even being Calvinistic. The concept of sola gratia - by grace alone - is how people are born-again, but it is sometimes misapplied. For instance, faith is a gift from God (Ephes 2:8) as it is by grace the manner of God's giving (Rom 5:15). As for any gift, for it to have utility, it must be used. The use of the free gift is "the work of faith" (1 Thes 1:11). What is it that people must do? Our "work" is the reception of the faith (Gal 3:2). Hearing the faith is man's part (Gal 3:2). One must hear in order to receive. That makes sense.
     Spiritual "hearing" is more than the reception of sound; its is responding to God's calling, considering the Word, and making a decision (John 6:44). That decision process is called free will. Mankind's will was endowed upon him at the creation as Adam was created in the image of God who certainly has Will! God's Will is for those things which are good, acceptable, and perfect (Rom 12:2). Hence, God desires that Christians be good, acceptable, and perfect. Those attributes are attributes of sanctification. Although we can never be perfect, people can strive for perfection. That striving is called "works". Not that works are sacramental (Rom 3:27) but a responsibility The trying of faith works patience (James 1:3).
     Hopefully, by now, the reader realizes that God uses people to work His grace. This is like the philosophical question, if a tree falls and there is nobody there to hear it, does it make a sound?  God's grace flows freely. People must sense its flowing. Free will is represented all over Scripture, even from the beginning. God could have forced Adam and Eve to be faithful. He didn't; he gave them two trees from which to choose - the serpent's or His Tree.
     The entire book of Job is about choice. Job was a righteous man who Satan tested to defy God. Satan is God's fool used for testing purposes. Job could have failed but he remained righteous. That is the work called "patience in faith".
     The points made herein are to credit God for His grace and to acknowledge what man must do as recipients of grace. Christians are to thank God by setting themselves apart in sacred reverence to God. That willingness is sanctification. Willingness is a critical word. We've already discussed that it is God's will that we be "good, acceptable, and perfect". How can that be done? Harmonizing our will with God's. In fact that is the theme of the Lord's Prayer: 

When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. (Luke 11:2).

     Is it God's Will that Christians sin? Not at all! His Will is that Christians be "good, acceptable, and perfect". Is that possible? No. However, God wants Christians to be willing to be that! He knows that "the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" (Mat 26:41). It's that willingness he desires more than the success! Sanctification is all in our hands. Note that it is the Spirit which is willing but the man which is weak. To aid and abet Christians, God returned as the Comforter. (John 14:16). He makes all things possible (Mat 19:26) but sadly, we make those things improbable! That improbability does not recuse us from trying. It is our reasonable service to present ourselves as a sacrifice (Rom 12:1).

     If it is remembered, sanctification includes not only separation from the world but also sinlessness, respectfulness, and holiness. It is the Christian's reasonable service to be sanctified. Thankfully, we are not on our own. God is patient and works with us if we favor the work.

     That desire to work for the things of God is contrary to Calvinism (in practice). I'm sure Calvin did not mean that one should not strive for sinlessness but that it was not necessary for salvation. That indeed is true. Purity is something Christians must desire, and if the desire is there, the Comforter provides the Power to remain pure. Of course, the flesh is always there taunting but God is stronger than our will!

     Sanctification is Part B of divine security, Part A is being born-again. Part A includes the willingness to trust God, and Part B is exercising the faith to give God control. 

     Why do theologians shy away from the word sanctification? Because it is seen as a work. However, it is a work which the new person should welcome in gratitude for deliverance (Deut 30:20). Christian liberty is being freed from the Law of God. Sanctification is willingness to keep the Law even though it is not required. That willingness is part of sanctification; the respect Christians are to show in empathy for God's dying for us.