The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Praying for the Dead (Purgatory)

I don't know where you heard/read that "Sanctification happens after death" but it certainly is not a doctrine held by historic Christianity (Protestantism). There are two aspects to sanctification: definitive and progressive. The former is legal, i.e., the righteousness of Christ is accredited, imputed to the believer immediately so that he is deemed justified and sanctified, (Zech 3:1-5) having been clothed with the righteousness of Christ. In regard to the former, "definitive", see here: Definitive Sanctification, by Prof. John Murray. For the latter, "progressive", see the list of articles under the heading "Sanctification" see here: Praxis - The Doctrine of the Christian Life.

One's age or mental condition is neither something which commends one to God nor hinders one's salvation. Since salvation is by grace alone, by Christ alone, through faith alone; faith being the fruit of regeneration of the Spirit of God, what is impossible with man is possible with God. (Lk 18:27) The Westminster Confession addresses this matter directly where it says:

[color:"#0000CC"]The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter X
Of Effectual Calling

III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated, and saved by Christ, through the Spirit,[12] who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth:[13] so also are all other elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.[14]

12. Gen. 17:7; Luke 1:15; 18:15-16; Acts 2:39; John 3:3, 5; I John 5:12
13. John 3:8
14. John 16:7-8; I John 5:12; Acts 4:12

ALL those whom God has elected to salvation in Christ are saved by the same operation of the Holy Spirit and the result of that secret and sovereign work.

In His grace,