Subject: Is Entire Sanctification Scriptural? |
Bible Note: Greetings Charis! Thanks for the information! Let me explain to you (and to anyone else who is interested) why I am researching this question. I am currently an ordained minister in the United Brethren in Christ denomination. I experienced some serious family problems (a runaway daughter) and am not currently pastoring. However, my family and I have been attending a local Nazarene church. The pastor there has been talking with me about the possiblity of moving my ordination to the Nazarenes. Their doctrine and mine are basically the same, except for this issue of Entire Sanctification. My current understanding of Sanctification is fairly basic. I believe that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us in a forensic sense at conversion. I also believe that the Holy Spirit progressively makes us more like Christ throughout our entire Christian life. And finally, I believe that we will be totally sanctified at our glorification. I have a basic understanding of what Wesley meant when he talked about entire sanctification or Christian perfection, but I really don't have a good grasp of the Scriptural support which is used to justify this belief. So, I'm basically beginning a personal study to discover if there is a solid bibilical basis to this doctrine or not! Some of what I have read up to this point I could agree with. Some of what I have read seems as if Scripture is being seriously stretched in order to defend a "second work of sanctification subsequent to salvation." At this point, I would like to hear from both sides of the issue. I would particularly like to hear from those who do believe in Entire Sanctification. If you were trying to convice me, what Scriptural support would you use? Or, if you were trying to oppose the doctrine, what Scriptural support would you use? Thanks Charis! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |