Question for Wesleyans

[Bulldog]

What is the "holiness" concept?

 

[bigsierra]

http://www.nazarene.org/gensec/we_believe.html

X. Entire Sanctification

13. 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."

14. 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.

 

[WesleyJohn]

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[ChiRho]

As I pastor, I often speak of holiness as "Perfect Communion with God." Many of us (I would imagine most of us) have at one point experienced even a brief moment in time when we have been in perfect communion with God. During that moment, we are resting in His presence, in the knowledge that He has forgiven us of our sins, and we are in tune with His Spirit, hearing His voice and seeking His face. For some, that moment is in private worship, for others it is at an altar, or perhaps during a time of corporate singing.

In any case, as I explain it, the concept of holiness or Entire Sanctification is the extension of that moment. Instead of just one brief instant of "perfect communion" we "Practice the Presence of God" in order that we begin to live our lives in "perfect communion with God."

Holiness is not about what we do, but about the Sanctifying Grace of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. As with all other elements of Christianity, God--through His grace--initiates, and we--through our faith (which is given to us by God's grace)--respond. Divine-human participation means that God initiates, but the human must respond.

God desires for each one to be holy. To be pure. To be mature. To be in pefect communion with Him. It is our responsibility to seek sanctification, that we would be constantly filled with His Spirit. But it is always His work of holiness within us, through His spirit.

Grace and Peace,

WJ

Perhaps I am misunderstanding this...when we are basking in the Peace of Christ, are we without sin?

Is Sanctification conditional upon what we do or the work of God? (I am still confused!)

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

 

[WesleyJohn]

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