Sanctification on task

Regeneration, or sanctification - not in individual lives only but collectively in the church's life in the world - is thus the true work of that 'other Paraclete' (or 'Standby') as John calls the Spirit. But alas, said Forsyth, we modern Christians have sadly debased and misconstrued the meaning of that grand old word 'sanctification'. In our modern man-centred religion, we have turned it into self-consecration. But sanctification is not spiritual self-culture, and 'it is a dangerous thing to work at your own holiness'. Paul did not consecrate himself to his great work. He obeyed a call and found his sanctification - his growth in grace - in the pursuit of his ministry. So we too are sanctified when we are on our Saviour's business. Growth in grace comes not by working at it but by passing ever more deeply into self-forgetfulness - into the grace, the cross and the service of Christ.

(p. 65, AM Hunter, PT Forsyth)