Bible Question:
Greetings Forum! I would appreciate your help. I am currently doing a study of sanctification. I am especially interested in the doctrine of Entire Sanctification. Here is my question: Is there any support for the doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Bible? This is not a trick question. I am in the process of studying this issue and have an open mind to whatever the Bible says. So, if you have any comments (based upon Scripture) either for or against this doctrine, I would appreciate hearing from you. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: Dear Tim, I am not quite sure how you are defining the term 'entire sanctification,' but I'll give some of my thoughts and some of the references I've found. 'Entire Sanctification' proponents: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV It was "the grand depositum which God has lodged with the people called Methodists; and for the sake of propagating this chiefly He appeared to have raised us up." John Wesley believed the doctrine of entire sanctification was Methodism's distinctive gift to Christianity. He called it "the great promise of God," Christian perfection, holiness of heart and life. On the other hand, Charles Finney's "Systematic Theology" speaks out against 'perfect holiness' in this life. He said that we could not live on earth in this state. My personal thoughts. The idea of 'entire sanctification,' 'perfect holiness,' ' attaining sainthood,' and 'walking in the perfect will of God' all speak of perfect goal, a holy pursuit of sinless life. However, we are told this is impossible with man. '...as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one;"' Romans 3:10 NASB, and 'But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."' John 8:7 NASB. Only Jesus walked a blameless life on this earth. 'For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.' Hebrews 4:15 NASB. The Bible says that God sees us in our perfected state, because He knows the result of His holy plan. The Word of God exhorts us to seek perfection with all our being. Jesus spoke, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48 NASB. But I can find no record or reference in the Bible that says any man *attained* perfection. Honestly, it sounds more like a Buddhist search for earthly *enlightenment* than trusting God to perfect us in resurrection. I hope this helps, brother. (and I hope you are not a strict Methodist! :-) If so, I beg your pardon.) In Christ Jesus, charis |