"Sanctification is the real change in man from the sordidness of sin to the purity of God's image"

William Ames, a noteworthy theologian, offers a thought-provoking insight into the concept of sanctification in this quote. He describes sanctification as a transformative process, a "genuine change" taking place within a person. This modification is defined by a shift from "the sordidness of sin" to "the purity of God's image." To translate this, let's break down the key components of the quote.

First of all, "sordidness of sin" refers to the morally degrading and corrupt nature of sin. Sin, in doctrinal terms, represents actions or ideas that differ divine will and moral order. By utilizing the term "sordidness," Ames emphasizes the filthiness, pollutant, and damaging aspects of living in contradiction to spiritual principles. It recommends a specific heaviness and unfavorable connotation that sin gives human life.

On the other hand, "the pureness of God's image" highlights an aspirational and divine state. In Christian faith, people are believed to be produced in the image of God, indicating that they have a natural capacity to show magnificent characteristics such as love, empathy, holiness, and righteousness. The "purity" aspect highlights a state of being untainted, morally clean, and lined up with magnificent essence.

Hence, sanctification, as explained by Ames, is basically about transformation and positioning. It involves an internal, real transformation where an individual consciously moves far from wicked propensities and strives to embody the virtues and attributes of God. This is not simply an abstract modification but a tangible, lived transformation that effects one's ideas, actions, and interactions with the world.

Additionally, this analysis positions sanctification as a continuous, dynamic procedure instead of a one-time occasion. It suggests that sanctification is not simply about avoiding sin however actively pursuing a life that mirrors the pureness and goodness of God's nature. It ends up being a journey towards spiritual maturity, where followers are progressively improved and formed to show the likeness of God more plainly.

In General, William Ames encapsulates a profound doctrinal principle highlighting the possibility of spiritual renewal and the pursuit of holiness as a constant and vital part of a follower's life.