--- title: "Chapter 13: Of Sanctification | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 13: Of Sanctification 1. They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctifi" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=50" --- # Chapter 13: Of Sanctification | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them: the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Scripture proofs: 1 Cor. 6:11; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6; John 17:17; Eph. 5:26; 2 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 6:6, 14; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8: 13; Col. 1:11; Eph. 3:16-19; 2 Cor. 7: 1; Heb. 12:14. 2. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part: whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. Scripture proofs: 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 John 1:10; Rom. 7:18, 23; Phil. 3:12; Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:11. 3. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Scripture proofs: Rom. 7:23; Rom. 6:14; 1 John 5:4; Eph. 4:15-16; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Cor. 7:1. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowSanctificationGod’s real work of making his people holy in thought, desire, and action.MortifyTo put sin to death: resist it and weaken its influence by the Spirit’s help. ### WCF 13.1 · God makes his people holy The Spirit gives believers new hearts and continues changing them through God’s Word and Christ’s death and resurrection. Sin’s ruling power is broken. Sinful desires are weakened, and believers grow stronger in obedience and holiness. This real change is called sanctification; God does not leave his saved people unchanged. Explore the Scriptures1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 20:32; Philippians 3:10. Talk about itWhat is one way holiness should show itself in everyday life? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/#paragraph-1) ### WCF 13.2 · The struggle is real God’s work of sanctification reaches every part of a believer, but is unfinished during this life. Sin remains in every part too. There is a real struggle between sinful desires and the Spirit’s work. Feeling that struggle does not mean God has done nothing in you. Explore the Scriptures1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 1:10; Romans 7:18. Talk about itWhy should we not pretend that Christians never struggle? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/#paragraph-2) ### WCF 13.3 · The Spirit keeps helping Remaining sin may win particular battles for a time. But Christ’s Spirit continually supplies strength, so God’s new work in believers prevails. They grow in grace and holiness as they honor him. We should seek his help and keep fighting rather than give up. Explore the ScripturesRomans 7:23; Romans 6:14; 1 John 5:4. Talk about itWhose strength keeps us from giving up against sin? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - How is growing in holiness different from earning God’s love? - Why do Christians still need repentance and help every day? #### Scripture to remember 1 Thessalonians 4:3 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=1%20Thessalonians%204%3A3) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Choose one habit in which you want to grow and pray about it. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=50) ## Related reading - [Salvation by grace through faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-10-effectual-calling/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-29-how-are-we-made-partakers-of-the-redemption-purchased/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 67: What is effectual calling?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-67-what-is-effectual-calling/) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 13](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/) - [Chapter 12](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-12-adoption/) - [Chapter 14](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-14-saving-faith/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/