SANCTIFICATION

Positional sanctification takes place at the time of salvation.  When a person gets saved, they are eternally set apart as belonging to Him, thereby being placed in the family of God as His children (1 Jn. 3:1; Rom. 8:14-17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Heb. 10:10-14).

Progressive sanctification is the process by which, according to God’s will, we grow in the Lord.  We can grow in the Lord if we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.  This takes place by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, self-examination, watchfulness, and prayer (1 Thess. 4:3; Prov. 4:13; 1 Jn. 2:29; Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 6:18; Jn. 17:17).

Ultimate sanctification takes place when the believer is finally in the presence of the Lord, with spirit united in the resurrected body free from every trace or effect of sin and rebellion (1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:52-54; Eph. 4:30; 5:27; Phil 3:20-21).

SEPARATION

Personal separation is based on the fact that the believer is called and commanded to be holy (1Pet. 1:15-16; Eph. 5:27).  The believer should be set apart to holiness and from unrighteousness (1 Thess. 1:9-10; Rom. 8:29; 12:1-2; Gal. 6:14).  Additionally, while we recognize the unity of all true believers, it is also clear that unbelief and error exists in many organized groups.  We stand in opposition to (1) the Ecumenical Movement, (2) Neo-Evangelicalism, (3) the Charismatic Movement and (4) cooperative evangelistic programs between churches and people that do not hold to a Biblical faith and practice (2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11-12; Gal. 1:8-9; Rom. 16:17; 2 Jn. 6-11; Rev. 18:4).