Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 2. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
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.
Words to know
- Sanctification
- God’s real work of making his people holy in thought, desire, and action.
- Mortify
- To 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.
1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 20:32; Philippians 3:10.
What is one way holiness should show itself in everyday life?
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.
1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 1:10; Romans 7:18.
Why should we not pretend that Christians never struggle?
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.
Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; 1 John 5:4.
Whose strength keeps us from giving up against sin?
1. God’s work of sanctification is designed to restore the whole person after the image of God. The moral law of God, perfectly fulfilled in the life of Christ, reveals God’s holiness and declares His will to man, and is therefore the standard for sanctification. Rom. 8:29; 1 Thess. 5:23-24.
2. We reject the view that in this life some Christians do not sin. 1 John 1:9; 1 Tim. 1:15.
3. Proper proclamation of the doctrine of sanctification must call believers to struggle diligently against sin. Phil. 2:12-13; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 6:10-18; Heb. 12:4.
4. Sanctification is inseparably connected with justification, but is distinct from it. By justification the sinner is acquitted from condemnation; by sanctification he is made holy, and prepared for the happiness of heaven. Justification is complete at once, and equal in all believers; sanctification is neither equal in all, nor perfect in any, while in this life. Nevertheless, all who are justified shall be completely sanctified. 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:1-2; 2 Thess. 2:13; Rom 7:19, 21; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 12:23; Eph. 5:27; 1 Thess. 5:23-24.
Words to know
- Sanctification
- God’s real work of making his people holy in thought, desire, and action.
- Mortify
- To put sin to death: resist it and weaken its influence by the Spirit’s help.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
- Justification
- God declaring a sinner righteous because of Christ, received through faith alone.
Testimony 13.1
God makes believers holy in every part of life, restoring his image in them. His moral law, perfectly lived out by Jesus, shows what holiness looks like.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 13.2
The Testimony rejects the claim that any Christian becomes completely sinless during this life.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 13.3
Teaching about holiness should call believers to actively resist sin, rather than passively wait for change.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 13.4
Justification is God’s complete declaration that we are righteous; sanctification is his ongoing work of making us holy. Christians grow at different rates, but God will finish that work in all his people.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-42, A-43.