Articles of Faith 9 and 10

 IX.  OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE 

We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;  (2 Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19)
that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14)
that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (Exodus 33; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11 Romans 9:23-24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36)
that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; Romans 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7)
that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10)
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)
that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (Romans 8:28-31; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29)
and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.  (2 Peter 1; Philippians 3:12; Hebrews 6:11) 
   

  

 X.  OF SANCTIFICATION 

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 13:9; Ephesians 1:4)
that it is a progressive work; (Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16)
that it is begun in regeneration; (1 John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11)
and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.  (Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 9:23; Luke 11:35; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18)