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Scriptural Basis for the Doctrine of Entire Sanctification

Article: What Is Sanctification?

Questions & Answers about Sanctification . . .

Q. What does sanctification mean?

A The New Testament Greek word has two meanings. They are both given in any dictionary you check.

SANCTIFY: (1) to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious

use.

                 In the Old Testament temple, for example, there were rooms that could
                 not be entered by anyone but the priest, there were vessels and
                 instruments dedicated for worship, and were not to be used for common
                 purposes. So we are to separated from the world order for God’s use
                 (John 17:16).

(2) to free from sin; purify.

                 The Bible teaches we are not only to do good works, we are to actually
                 be good, cleansed, purified, made free from sin. That cannot be done by
                 good works, sincere effort or a strong willpower. The sin nature must
                 be cleansed. Jesus died to accomplish our cleansing (Titus 2:11-14).
         Q.
                 Is sanctification progressive or instantaneous?
          A.
                 Both. There is the progressive work of sanctification which begins
                 when you are saved. From that moment on, as you walk in obedience to
                 God and His word and daily grow in grace, you become more perfect in
                 your obedience and more closely conformed to the image of Christ
                 (Ephesians.4:13).

                 There is also a crisis of ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION when you
                 present yourself totally (without any reserve clauses) to God. On your
                 part, this is called total commitment or consecration. The baptism of the
                 Holy Spirit will cleanse your heart from all inbred sin (Acts 15:9).

                 This is followed by a lifelong growth in grace, as you develop a life of
                 godliness and true holiness by faith in the cleansing, sanctifying blood of
                 Jesus Christ (Colossian.2:6).
         Q.
                 Is sanctification required or optional?
          A.
                 It is an absolute requirement. It is the will of God for you to be
                 sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3). It is the reason Jesus died, "Where
                 Jesus also that He might sanctify the people with His own blood
                 suffered without the gate" (Hebrews 13:12).
         Q.
                 Didn’t I receive the Holy Spirit when I was saved?
          A.
                 Yes. No one can be saved apart from the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). But
                 the fullness of the spirit, or the baptism of the Holy Spirit, comes after
                 you have been saved and then make a complete commitment of your all
                 to God (Acts 19:2).
         Q.
                 Why must I be saved before I can be entirely sanctified?
          A.
                 Because until you are saved, you cannot present yourself a living
                 sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). You are dead in trespasses and sins
                 (Ephesians 2:1). Only after you have been made alive can you commit
                 that life to God.
         Q.
                 Do I need to speak unknown tongues as evidence that I have received
                 the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
          A.
                 No. The Scriptures teach that the evidence of the fullness of the Holy
                 Spirit is fruit, not gifts. According to 1 Corinthians 13, it is possible to
                 demonstrate the gifts and not have the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is
                 love, joy, peace,..." etc.. (Galatians 5:22).
         Q.
                 Can a sanctified person ever be tempted to sin?
          A.
                 Yes. There is no state of grace that removes the possibility of
                 temptation; even our Lord was tempted in all points like we are, yet
                 without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
         Q.
                 Can a sanctified person sin?
          A.
                 Yes. Sin is always a possibility. "Let him who thinks he stands take
                 heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).
         Q.
                 Is it possible to live a holy life without sin?
          A.
                 Yes. A Christian does not continue the habit and practice of willful sin.
                 The Apostle Paul asked, "Should we continue in sin that grace may
                 abound?" He then answered his own question. "God forbid! How can
                 we that are dead to sin live any longer therein" (Romans 6:1, 2)?
         Q.
                 What happens if a sanctified person sins?
          A.
                 You must confess that sin and receive the cleansing of the blood of
                 Jesus (1 John 2:1,2).
         Q.
                 What must I do to be sanctified?
          A.
                 1. Be sure your past sins are confess and forgiven, and that you are
                 walking in obedience to the light of God’s word.

2. Recognize that you need to be sanctified, that it is God’s will for your
life, and that He is waiting to do it now.

3. Commit every area of your life to the will of God.

                 4. Pray in faith, asking God to give you the fullness of His Holy Spirit. ".
                 . . how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
                 those who ask Him" (Luke 11:13)?

5. Believe that God has kept His word and has done the work.

                 A suggested prayer: Lord, You said in Your Word that the will of
                 God is for me to be sanctified. I recognize the need in my life. I
                 offer You all that I am and ever will be, all that I have or ever will
                 have. I surrender every area of my life to Your absolute control.
                 Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, cleanse my heart and give me power
                 to live a victorious, holy life. I pray in Jesus’ name, with thanks.
                 Amen.

[Scriptural Basis for the Doctrine of Entire Sanctification]
[Article: What Is Sanctification?]

Book recommendation: Holiness for Ordinary People, by Keith Drury We strongly recommend this book, which is the finest introduction to the important doctrine of Christian Holiness (entire sanctification) that we know of.

If you have just discovered God's Sanctifying Power, let us know, so we can send some free Bible study helps. For a fuller discussion of this topic, we have on line Rev. James McRobbie's article, "What the Bible Teaches About Sanctification."

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