Does Comprehensive
Sanctification
Increase Differentiation?
A Thesis by
Tersia Voskuil
April 2023 · Newburgh, Indiana
"Working on our level of differentiation could be viewed in theological terms as growing into the human beings we are called to be."
— Ronald Richardson
Abstract
Of the eight main concepts in Bowen's Family Systems Theory, seven account for family characteristics, and differentiation alone accounts for the characteristics of the individual. It is essential to maturity and can be defined as the ability to behave with more maturity and less reactivity in one's family of origin.
Since biblical sanctification is also a call to maturity, this thesis investigates whether an increase in sanctification will increase differentiation. Initial investigation reveals that biblical sanctification is too slow to benefit differentiation significantly — a slowness associated with a lack of effort and responsibility.
The development of the Tersia Voskuil Sanctification Theory (TVST) is presented as one solution to this problem. TVST describes sanctification in parallel terms to differentiation of Bowen Family Systems Theory, allowing a deeper level of understanding of the dynamics of effort and responsibility needed to increase the pace of sanctification. It was discovered that both concepts are similar enough to impact one another — however, since sanctification incorporates the spirit realm, it is more complex than differentiation, and therefore the effect that sanctification is able to have on differentiation is greater.
"TVST is in a stronger position to impact BFST than vice versa, even though they both impact one another — because sanctification incorporates eternal rewards that differentiation lacks."
Thesis Details
Author
Tersia Voskuil
Degree
Master of Divinity
Institution
Trinity College of the Bible & Trinity Theological Seminary
Chair
Dr. James Chatham
Provost
Dr. Elbert Elliott
Date
April 2023
Location
Newburgh, Indiana
Research Method
Bibliographic research method — gathering information from published books, journals, electronic media, and online resources. TVST accepts the Word of God as truth, interpreted in a literal, grammatical, historical manner.
Theological Framework
Provisionist soteriology — all are invited and drawn to believe and be saved; those who come must then walk, make an effort, and be sanctified.
Research Focus Statements
Identify the research concern: can sanctification increase differentiation?
Discover the bedrock of information regarding biblical sanctification and BFST differentiation.
Uncover the problem calling for TVST and present it as sanctification in terms parallel to differentiation.
Highlight the parallel between BFST differentiation and TVST sanctification.
Demonstrate that TVST allows deeper understanding of effort and responsibility in sanctification.
Conclude: sanctification increases differentiation, and TVST is in a stronger position to pull BFST forward.
Biblical Sanctification
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
— John 17:17
The doctrine of sanctification is expounded in a threefold manner in Scripture. Essential to a correct view is its relation to other Bible doctrines, avoiding the error of emphasizing a doctrine disproportionately. The doctrine cannot be interpreted by experience alone, and must be arrived at via consideration of the whole Bible — encompassing all passages where sanctify, holy, and saint appear.
Positional Sanctification
Justification · 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:10,14Being set apart and sanctified at salvation — positional as opposed to transformational. We are first positioned in Christ through faith. Recent evangelism has focused on progressive sanctification to the neglect of this foundational positional aspect, which is an inversion of the Biblical portrayal.
Progressive Sanctification
Experimental · Rom. 6:1-23The lifelong journey of transformation into the image of Christ. This is where the believer's effort and responsibility are most clearly required. The slowness of progressive sanctification — associated with a lack of effort — is the central problem this thesis addresses through TVST.
Ultimate Sanctification
Glorification · Eph. 5:27; 1 John 3:1-3Final perfection achieved in glory when we are presented blameless before Christ, without spot or blemish, seeing Him as He is and being like Him. This eschatological goal provides the motivational framework that gives sanctification its unique power over differentiation.
— Steven L. Porter, Themelios 39.3 (2014)
Bowen Family Systems Theory
Differentiation
Of the eight concepts of Bowen's Family Systems Theory, differentiation alone accounts for the characteristics of the individual. It is defined as maturity flowing out of mastering the intrapsychic and interpersonal dimensions of our being — the ability to make decisions on the basis of critically held beliefs and values.
Intrapsychic Dimension
Differentiation between the emotional and cognitive systems within the individual. The Solid Self develops values and applies them when taking an I-Position. Self-regulation flows from this process, allowing victory over fusion and emotional reactivity.
Interpersonal Dimension
The outcome of intrapsychic mastery — distinguishing self from others. The goal is autonomy while simultaneously maintaining intimate relationships, without functioning from a Pseudo Self capacity.
The Fusion Zone
Fusion is the idea on which differentiation is based. Lower fusion correlates with higher differentiation. The Fusion Zone is characterized by three interconnected dynamics:
"In a certain sense there is no personal growth — no increase in differentiation — without provoking and enduring resistance."
— Murray Bowen, via Harding
Bowen Family Systems Theory
The Differentiation Continuum
Differentiation Scale (0–100)
Richardson estimates very few people get past the halfway point — making the question of whether sanctification can accelerate this journey profoundly significant.
Tersia Voskuil Sanctification Theory
TVST
"Sanctification according to TVST is maturity that flows out of mastering the intrapsychic and interpersonal dimensions of our being after turning to Christ in faith."
TVST is not a subversive novelty — it holds to the doctrine of Christ and maintains the biblical pattern of sanctification. While it is new in the sense that it describes biblical sanctification in a new set of terms, it is not new in a subversive manner.
Intrapsychic Dimension
Flesh & Feeling System
The combination of the sin nature and the emotional system. When unmastered, it drives decision-making through subjective emotional responses — the pull toward the Downward Spiral Zone.
Beliefs & Principles System
The combination of the cognitive system and the truth of God's Word. Mastery at this level yields convictions that impact behaviour — taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Interpersonal Dimension
In TVST, the interpersonal dimension is more complex than in BFST. Autonomy refers not merely to individuality and separateness from others, but to separateness from the world, unto God — a separateness that embraces the truth of God and stands for it alone and at the cost of all else.
The togetherness force is managed by and built upon sacrificial, selfless love, flowing out of distinguishing between the triune God, angels, self, others, and enemies — far broader than BFST's simpler balance of self and others.
"Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."
— Martin Luther (the model I-Stand)
The Downward Spiral Zone (DSZ)
The zone of spiritual immaturity in TVST — the parallel to BFST's Fusion Zone — encompassing three interconnected dynamics that keep the believer from taking I-Stands.
Bitterness & Unforgiveness
Suppressed pain and refusal to forgive. Forgiveness sets us free — it is about a new way of being human. The one who wants to see good days must control his tongue and turn from wickedness.
1 Peter 2:20b–23
Evil Speaking
Slanderous, injurious speech — deceit, cursing, strife, gossip, obscene talk. The power of life and death are in the tongue. Evil Speaking is rooted in hostility to God and to others.
Romans 3:13-14; Eph. 4:31
Feeling-Oriented Living
Being dominated by the Flesh & Feeling System — choosing based on subjective emotions rather than objective truth. Our choices are influenced powerfully by our emotions.
2 Cor. 10:5
The Goal of Sanctification in TVST: The I-Stand
The goal of sanctification is mastery over the Downward Spiral Zone by functioning from the Beliefs and Principles System in a manner characterized by taking I-Stands. Every I-Stand is an action for truth, beliefs, principles, future rewards, ministry, gifts, talents, serving God, loving others, suffering, persevering, loving, giving, forgiving, being patient, kind, gentle and true.
The Saint-Self, when faced with opposition or the pull of the Downward Spiral Zone, chooses obedience and says in his heart and by his actions: "These are my beliefs and convictions. This is what I am and who I am and what I will do, or not do."
The Differentiation–Sanctification
Connection
Hover over any concept to see how TVST and BFST parallel each other. Both are a call to maturity — both require taking action based on values as the core means to moving forward.
Tersia Voskuil Sanctification Theory
Bowen Family Systems Theory
Saint-Self
The faithful believer who takes an I-Stand, guided by the Beliefs & Principles System, congruent in action and conviction.
Solid Self
The differentiated individual who takes an I-Position based on critically held beliefs and values, not swayed by emotional pressure.
Soft-Self
The immature believer who capitulates to the Flesh & Feeling System, lacking the conviction to take a principled stand.
Pseudo-Self
The undifferentiated self that borrows identity from others, shifting positions under social pressure.
I-Stand
An act of commission or omission aligned with the Beliefs & Principles System — 'This is who I am and what I will or will not do.'
I-Position
A calm, non-reactive statement of personal values and beliefs made without demanding others agree.
Flesh & Feeling System
The combination of the sin nature and the emotional system at the intrapsychic level — the pull toward reactivity and worldliness.
Emotional System
The automatic, instinctual emotional reactivity that drives undifferentiated behavior and fusion.
Beliefs & Principles System
The combination of the cognitive system and the truth of God's Word — the foundation for taking principled I-Stands.
Intellectual System
The cognitive capacity to reason, evaluate, and make decisions based on values rather than emotional reactivity.
Bitterness & Unforgiveness (BU)
Suppressed pain and the refusal to forgive — the spiritual equivalent of emotional cutoff, keeping the believer stuck.
Emotional Cutoff (EC)
Suppressing emotions and cutting off from unresolved family-of-origin issues to manage anxiety.
Evil Speaking (ES)
Slanderous, injurious, reactive speech — the outward manifestation of an unmastered Flesh & Feeling System.
Emotional Reactivity (ER)
Impulsive, inappropriately triggered emotional responses that reflect low differentiation.
Feeling-Oriented Living (FOL)
Being dominated by subjective emotional decisions — seeking approval and happiness above truth and principle.
Fusion with Others (FO)
Merging one's identity with others, seeking approval above all else, losing self in relationships.
Downward Spiral Zone (DSZ)
The zone of spiritual immaturity encompassing BU, ES, and FOL — the TVST parallel to the Fusion Zone.
Fusion Zone (FZ)
The zone of low differentiation characterized by EC, ER, and FO — driving dysfunction and immaturity.
Sanctification of Self (SoS)
The lifelong progressive journey of increasing spiritual maturity through mastery of intrapsychic and interpersonal dimensions.
Differentiation of Self (DoS)
The continuum of maturity from fusion to differentiation, measured by the ability to function with less reactivity.
"The sanctification process of TVST is almost identical to the differentiation process of BFST to the extent that, as implied by Richardson, working on one is paramount to working on the other."
— Tersia Voskuil, Chapter Four
Conclusion
"The appropriation of the victory of Christ begins with an openness to his power and is fulfilled in a conscious imitation of his life, which of necessity will involve us in resistance and suffering." Progress lies in endurance and suffering.
The Kuhn Cycle clarifies the need for continued insistence on new assumptions until a new paradigm is attained. When a person is willing to suffer and do the hard work and break free from emotional fusion, they not only buy their own differentiation but also pay for that of others — they pay a price with their own struggle "for the environment in which the change of others becomes not merely possible but highly probable."
— Leander S. Harding, Anglican Theological Review
The motivational power of the salvific nature of sanctification is more likely to pull differentiation forward than vice versa. The eternal goals of TVST — the promise of reward, the call to be an example to one's children, the hope of leading them to Christ and into an eternity with God — provide a more compelling motivation than the temporal goals of BFST.
Key Conclusions
TVST allows a deeper understanding of the dynamics of effort and responsibility required of the believer in sanctification.
The parallels between TVST and BFST expand the base from which to investigate sanctification, because differentiation research can be considered.
Sanctification is pulled forward by eternal rewards, which differentiation lacks — making TVST the stronger force.
Both concepts impact one another, but due to its complexity and rewards, TVST will have a greater impact on BFST than vice versa.
Sanctification increases differentiation — comprehensive sanctification, pursued with effort and responsibility, accelerates the journey toward maturity.
BFST and the Atonement of Christianity
The parallel between TVST and BFST extends beyond the micro dynamics of intrapsychic and interpersonal mastery to a macro level: BFST can be shown to be a small-scale analogy of Christianity on a larger scale. That which the differentiated person achieves for the family — Christ did for us.
Jesus did not fuse with others to keep the peace. His actions were not motivated by avoiding anxiety. He focused, in a defined manner, on doing the will of His Father. In the wilderness and all the way to the cross, He held on to the critical beliefs and values, regardless of resistance and suffering. In so doing, Jesus created a new reality and a new paradigm where we can be faithful.
"The possibility of achieving the true human life that Jesus reveals waits for our concrete choice and action."
— Leander S. Harding