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"Entire
Sanctification"
1. We believe
that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to
regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin,
or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to
God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect.
It is wrought by the baptism with the Holy
Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the
heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy
Spirit, empowering the believer for life and service.
Entire sanctification is provided by the
blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by
entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy
Spirit bears witness.
This experience is also known by various
terms representing its different phases, such as "Christian
perfection," "perfect love," "heart purity," "the baptism with the
Holy Spirit," "the fullness of the blessing," and "Christian
holiness."
2. We believe
that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart and a
mature character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result
of entire sanctification; the latter is the result of growth in
grace.
We believe that the grace of entire
sanctification includes the impulse to grow in grace. However,
this impulse must be consciously nurtured, and careful attention
given to the requisites and processes of spiritual development and
improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality.
Without such purposeful endeavor, one's witness may be impaired
and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost.
(Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27;
Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; John 7:37-39;
14:15-23; 17:6-20; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9; Romans 6:11-13, 19;
8:1-4, 8-14; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1; Galatians 2:20;
5:16-25; Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:17-18, 25-27; Philippians 3:10-15;
Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 4:9-11;
10:10-17; 12:1-2; 13:12; 1 John 1:7, 9)
"Christian perfection," "perfect love":
Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 5:43-48; 22:37-40; Romans 12:9-21;
13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13; Philippians 3:10-15; Hebrews 6:1; 1
John 4:17-18
"Heart purity":
Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:8-9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3
"Baptism with the Holy Spirit":
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew
3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9
"Fullness of the blessing":
Romans 15:29
"Christian holiness":
Matthew 5:1—7:29; John 15:1-11; Romans 12:1—15:3; 2 Corinthians
7:1; Ephesians 4:17—5:20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:12-15; Colossians
2:20—3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7-8; 5:23; 2 Timothy 2:19-22;
Hebrews 10:19-25; 12:14; 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter
1:1-11; 3:18; Jude 20-21
—Nazarene Manual 2001-2005 |
