The Meaning of Sanctification - Matthew 3:11, 12; Acts 8:14-17; Titus 2:11-14

by David Woods

In last week's lesson the main purpose I was trying to achieve was to correct what I believe to be a misunderstanding concerning holiness: that if one is not entirely sanctified, he or she will not go to Heaven when he/she dies, even if they have placed their trust in Christ as Lord and Saviour.

However, my intent was not to suggest that holiness is not necessary for the believer. Rather, I believe all Christians are called and enabled to live holy lives, whether they have been entirely sanctified or not.

I think that statement causes consternation for some. They would suggest that the unsanctified believer cannot live above sin. I must respectfully disagree.

From what is one saved, if they are unable to live a holy life once saved? Sure, we are saved from guilt of sins, but is it not a hellish existence to be saved from sin and required to live a holy life yet unable to live that life?

Instead, I would suggest a subtle distinction: the unsanctified believe can live above sin, yet they often fail to live above sin because of a divided will. It is theoretically possible for the unsanctified Christian to live above sin. The practical reality is that the unsanctified Christian will often fail to live above sin.

This is why entire sanctification is necessary for the believer (though not required for entrance to Heaven): because of the power of the carnal nature, the only way to live in constant victory necessitates entire sanctification, in which the nature is cleansed of carnality and the believer is filled fully by the Holy Spirit, having submitted himself completely to Christ's control and will.

Therefore, it is my argument that we should not view or teach entire sanctification as a "have to", but a "want to," for why would anyone who really loved Christ and was committed to Him want to keep anything back from Him? I would also suggest that entire sanctification is required for the believer who has been convicted and convinced by the Holy Spirit for the need of entire sanctification. Hebrews 12:14-16 describes such a Christian who is convinced of the need for entire sanctification, yet begins to rebel against the Holy Spirit's voice.

With this clarification, let us go on to our lesson:

1. A Doctrine to Be Believed, Matthew 3:11-12.

Discussion: Who cleanses our nature of carnality?
(Jesus Christ. Note: we are baptized by Jesus, with the Holy Spirit.)

Discussion: What does the idea of a baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire suggest concerning how Christ desires to change the believer?

2. An experience to Be Enjoyed, Acts 8:14-17.

These verses (and other places in Acts) suggest that the Church viewed believers who had not been entirely sanctified as incomplete, and so steps were taken immediately to lead them on to the second crisis experience. It was expected that seekers not only have their sins forgiven, but go to to the experience in which their natures were cleansed of carnality.

Discussion: Does our church's outreach program include instruction that salvation is not simply a ticket to Heaven, but a beginning in holiness, of which a second crisis experience is necessary? How might we include this teaching in our outreach?

Discussion: Does our church have a program/method to instruct new believers to seek entire sanctification? How might we implement such a program?

3. A Life to Be Lived, Titus 2:11-14.

Discussion: Does verse twelve suggest a one-time event in which we commit to live a holy life or a way of living?

Discussion: What does it mean to live a) soberly, b) righteously, c) godly?

Discussion: What does it mean to be a "peculiar people"?

Discussion: Does Christ's intention to "purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" indicate that doing good works is a characteristic of the entirely sanctified life?