Subject: Is Entire Sanctification Scriptural? |
Bible Note: Then I may as well add mine, lol. Most Christians outside the holiness denominations see sanctification as a process; it "happens" as you "grow" in your faith. Many seem to think that this process is a given, that it is automatic subsequent to conversion/justification. The holiness folk, I believe in reaction to this, concentrate on the experience of entire sanctification, that in an instantaneous second work of grace, at which time the believer is entirely consecrated and cleansed, baptized by the Spirit. I believe both are right to an extent, and I think Wesley would agree. Sanctification is a process that begins in an instant. It does not just happen that you grow or become more holy, it takes intentional cooperation with the Spirit working in you and through you. (I am not talking about working for salvation, by the way, this is subsequent to justification). Therefore, the nature of this process is such that it begins in an instant, through an experience. I liken it to the step of faith one takes when first giving one's life to Christ. One accepts by faith God's gift of salvation and eternal life, just as one accepts by faith God's gift of sanctification, consecrating oneself and placing one's body on the altar as a living sacrifice. I believe this view is more accurate biblically, and also matches the experience of most believers, whatever their theological tradition. I have not read the book you mentioned above. One you might consider though is InterVarsity's "Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification" (Donald Alexander, ed.) |