--- title: "Chapter 13: Of Sanctification | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 13 of the RP Testimony: Of Sanctification. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=50" --- # Chapter 13: Of Sanctification | RP Testimony 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. ## 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.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.JustificationGod 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/#point-1) ### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/#point-2) ### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/#point-3) ### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/#point-4) ### Talk about it How is growing in holiness different from being declared righteous? ### 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/) - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 13](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-13-sanctification/) - [Chapter 12](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-12-adoption/) - [Chapter 14](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-14-saving-faith/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-13-sanctification/