Sanctification depends upon the provisions of ____ and the ____ of God.

• A. promises; Christ's atonement
• B. Christ's atonement; promises
• C. grace; mercy
• D. salvation; power

Answer: (B)

Sanctification rests on two divine provisions: what Christ accomplished for us through His atonement and the promises God has spoken to sustain and assure His people. Christ’s atonement provides the ground for sanctification by dealing with sin and making reconciliation possible, so believers can be cleansed and brought into a holy relationship with God. The promises of God then energize and sustain that process, giving confidence that He will complete the work in us and provide the Spirit’s power for growth in holiness. Without Christ’s atonement, sanctification would be only human effort; without God’s promises, that effort would lack direction and lasting assurance.