Holiness; Chapter 2 "Sanctification"

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In just the first section the Bishop brings us 12 connected propositions or statements, drawn from Scripture, to help define the exact nature of sanctification. They are: (1) Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian (John 15:5). (2) Sanctification is the outcome and inseperable consequence of regeneration (I John 2:29; 3:9-14; 5:4-18). (3) Sanctification is the only certain evidence of that indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is essential to salvation (Romans 8:9). (4) Sanctification is the only sure mark of God's election (I Peter 1:2; II Thess. 2:13; Romans 8:29; Eph. 1:4; I Thess. 1:3, 4). (5) Sanctification is a thing that will always be seen (Luke 6:44). (6) Sanctification is a thing for which every believer is responsible (Matthew 16:26). (7) Sanctification is a thing which admits of growth and degrees (John 17:17; I Thess. 5:23). (8) Sanctification is a thing which depends greatly on a diligent use of Scriptural means. "Means" meaning: Bible-reading, private prayer, regular attendance on public worship, regular hearing of God's Word, regular reception of the Lord's Supper. (9) Sanctification is a thing which does not prevent a man having a great deal of inward spiritual conflict (Gal. 5:17). (10) Sanctification is a thing which cannot justify a man, and yet it pleases God (Romans 3:20-28). (11) Sanctification is a thing which will be found absolutely necessary as a witness to our character in the great day of judgment (John 5:29; II Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:13). (12) Sanctification is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants holy; its occupations are all holy. We must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth. We must be saints before we die, if we are to be saints afterwards in glory. I am not even on to the next section and already feel as if I need to stop right now and do some regurgitating (sp?). Is any of this tempting you to go out and get the book and tolle lege?