Definition of the church?
1:2 Interesting that he clarifies the target of his letter. One might think that he is defining who the "church" is at Corinth with the phrase..."even them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus." Normally the word sanctified is seen by us in terms of the progressive spiritual formation of the believer. If this is the sense that Paul is intending then the "church" would be defined as only those who are making progress in the faith. He further clarifies with the words..."called to be saints" which might seem to indicate his hope for them and God's intention for them rather than their present reality. Especially since they are spiritually struggling.
Consider the following input from SonicLight...
"Biblical sanctification is fourfold: (1) primary, equivalent
to the 'efficacious grace' of systematic theology (cf. II
Thess 2:13; I Pet 1:2); (2) positional, a perfect standing in
holiness, true of all believers from the moment of
conversion (cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18); (3) progressive,equivalent to daily growth in grace (cf. Jn 17:17; Eph 5:26; II Cor 7:1); (4) prospective, or ultimate likeness to Christ
positionally and practically (cf. I Thess 5:23). The use of
the perfect participle here refers to positional
sanctification."12
Consider the following input from SonicLight...
"Biblical sanctification is fourfold: (1) primary, equivalent
to the 'efficacious grace' of systematic theology (cf. II
Thess 2:13; I Pet 1:2); (2) positional, a perfect standing in
holiness, true of all believers from the moment of
conversion (cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18); (3) progressive,equivalent to daily growth in grace (cf. Jn 17:17; Eph 5:26; II Cor 7:1); (4) prospective, or ultimate likeness to Christ
positionally and practically (cf. I Thess 5:23). The use of
the perfect participle here refers to positional
sanctification."12
