Sanctification and good works.
(De sanctificatione et bonis operibus.)
That the Christian life with all its inner and outer activities is a sure consequence, but also only a consequence, of faith in the reconciliation effected by Christ, has already been stated in the summary exposition of the "Order of Salvation" (II, 488 ff.). However, in connection with ambiguities and aberrations in the doctrine of justification, a whole series of uncertainties and manifest aberrations have also arisen in the doctrine of the Christian life or — which is the same thing — in the doctrine of sanctification and good works. Therefore, it is necessary that the whole chapter on sanctification and good works be presented in more detail from a number of points of view. Questions like these need to be discussed in more detail: What do we mean by sanctification? How do justification and sanctification differ? What relationship does sanctification stand to the attainment of salvation and the preservation of faith? By whom and through what means is sanctification wrought? Is sanctification perfect or imperfect in this life? What is to be said concerning the "necessity" and "freedom" of sanctification and good works? These and other questions, which are historical and serve the right understanding of the Christian life, will be dealt with in the following.