God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

Some of the Ways in Which Christians Disagree about Sanctification (continued)

b. Romans 7 – This passage is understood as describing Paul’s experience following conversion.

c. Complete sinless perfection is not attainable in this life. When the word “Perfect” occurs in Scripture it is understood as “complete” or “mature.” Glorification is when sinlessness is achieved . Sanctification is the movement toward holiness that draws on the resources given at salvation.

d. Most important historical proponent: Martin Luther

Luther spoke about Christians as “ simul justus et peccator ”- at one and the same time a righteous man and a sinner. He believed that this paradox will not find resolution until faith become sight. Lutheranism in no way condones sin. Rather it recognizes “that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”

III. Holiness Movements

A. Sanctification is a second and distinct experience from salvation. Like salvation it is received by grace through faith and is frequently spoken of as “the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” Entire Sanctificationmore commonly designated as “sanctification,” “holiness,” “Christian perfection,” or “perfect love,” represents that second definite stage in Christian experience wherein, by the baptismwith the Holy Spirit, administered by Jesus Christ, and received instantaneously by faith, the justified believer is delivered from inbred sin, and consequently is saved from all unholy tempers, cleansed from all moral defilement, made perfect in love and introduced into full and abiding fellowship with God. ~ Doctrinal Statement of The First General Holiness Assembly held in Chicago, May, 1885 [Robert M. Anderson, Vision of the Disinherited ]