We have a couple of extremes on this forum...
1) Some believe that sanctification requires a certain hair length and clothing style ( hence verses on "modesty" and "dress")
2) Some believe that sanctification has absolutely no ascertainable elements (hence verses on "judge not")
The legalist/antinomian.
I would like to take a bit more specific, theological approach, to this by asking the question: "Is Sanctification recognizable?"
I would post Matthew 7.16 ("by their fruits"), but it is in the context of false prophets and, in my thinking, relates more to the teachings and the non-effects it had on their followers. So, I am not dealing with that particular passage.
I would say that Philippians 4.8 has a better application: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
So, can a believer claim to be sanctified if they are always migrating toward vile, brutish elements? I say, "no." If they are enamored with the unjust, impure, unlovely things in this world, they are not striving for excellence (sanctification).
1) Some believe that sanctification requires a certain hair length and clothing style ( hence verses on "modesty" and "dress")
2) Some believe that sanctification has absolutely no ascertainable elements (hence verses on "judge not")
The legalist/antinomian.
I would like to take a bit more specific, theological approach, to this by asking the question: "Is Sanctification recognizable?"
I would post Matthew 7.16 ("by their fruits"), but it is in the context of false prophets and, in my thinking, relates more to the teachings and the non-effects it had on their followers. So, I am not dealing with that particular passage.
I would say that Philippians 4.8 has a better application: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
So, can a believer claim to be sanctified if they are always migrating toward vile, brutish elements? I say, "no." If they are enamored with the unjust, impure, unlovely things in this world, they are not striving for excellence (sanctification).