The Strait and Narrow

 I believe we have done a very poor job of explaining the sin nature, how it is removed, and how Sanctification does the job. This is how we now explain Sanctification which is a great improvement from our past definition.

Which is in our Basic Bible Beliefs

Sanctification, like salvation, ultimately spans the entire life of the believer. Initially, it is a work of grace subsequent to being justified, regenerated, or born again. It is an instantaneous work, which both sets one apart for God (1 Corinthians 1:2) and crucifies and cleanses the old nature, enabling the believer to be free from the dominant rule of sin: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For, he that is dead is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6, 7). “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). This dethroning of the old nature, this cleansing, this setting apart, places upon the believer the scriptural demand to “mortify the deeds of the body” through the Spirit (Romans 8:12, 13) and to “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication [sexual immorality],uncleanness, inordinate [abnormal] affection, evil concupiscence [desire for earthly things], and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Second Peter 3:17, 18 further encourages growth in God’s grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” There is then in sanctification, a responsibility on the part of the believer to “put off” some habits and practices, and to “put on” others, which means there must be intentionality to holiness (Ephesians 4:22–32). Sanctification empowers us against sin’s control; the believer responds with a renewed mind to be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1, 2) and to be holy in life and conduct (2 Corinthians 7:1).

This part is from a COGOP Ministerial Seminar, by Pastor Bruce Sullivan. Which I hope will give us come insight and a clearer understanding of what sanctfication is and does witin our lives.

Sanctification is the recognition of the call to purity, the accepting of the power to live pure by faith, and the consecration to the source of that purity – the Holy Spirit.  Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts…”  We want to tell people they can receive an experience where they are victorious over sin without explaining the need to consecrate themselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit and that is not true and it will not work!!!

Some people define Sanctification as one of the three but forget about the other two.  They believe they are called to live pure but you can’t live pure without consecration.  They believe God has called them to purity but they don’t believe God has given them the ability to live pure.  They don’t believe God has called them to purity.  They don’t believe they have to be consecrated to be saved (its just a matter of time).  Sanctification is perpetual.  It is a commitment which must be walked in. 

It was designed to take place at Salvation but many times, through ignorance or deception, it is postponed until the knowledge (through the Word) comes.  “Faith cometh by hearing…”

What is the “sin nature?”  It is the physical body with its desires without the control and influence of the Holy Spirit.  It is eradicated only by true Salvation.  It can reform or regroup if Sanctification is rejected (consecration). 

You may be called to holiness (separation and purity) but not be submitting to that.  Either through ignorance of the requirement or ignorance of the ability to do so. 

Sanctification is then a gift of grace whereby one receives into their heart the ability to live holy and the recognition of such by faith.  The ability to live a Holy life may be imparted at Salvation but it is not activated until faith grabs it and a person submits to the Holy Spirit who gives them that strength.  Paul’s call to holiness and submission to be led by the Holy Spirit are calls to Sanctification.

The confusion comes when people mix up God’s imputing of Holiness (saints) and God’s impartation of Holiness (the ability to live a holy life).  A truly converted person will readily accept the call to holiness while not always submitting to the Spirit (consecrating) and thus not living consistently. 

Cleansing is not Sanctification.  Something can be clean but unless it is consecrated to the service of God, it is not sanctified.  Something which is consecrated must be clean and, in fact, it is sacrilege for something consecrated to be used for unclean purposes.

I do believe man has a sin nature and I do believe it must be eliminated, I believe we have done a very poor job of explaining the sin nature, how it is removed, and how Sanctification does the job.  Therefore, we have been ill equipped to teach or preach on this subject and to defend it from the scripture.

Some misunderstanding arises from a timeline man has put in place.  God can rush one through Salvation, Sanctification, & Baptism in the Holy Spirit so they happen so close as to appear simultaneous.  This is seen in the experience in Cornelius’ house in Acts 10.  If this can happen, it is probable it is not God who withholds but the believer either through ignorance, deception, unbelief, or the struggle of a rebellious heart.  God’s intent was for the new convert to accept God’s call to purity and consecrate their lives at the same time they accepted Christ as their Savior.

At Salvation God forgives us for our sins but He does nothing regarding our sinfulness and thus our future sins.  The belief is that the root of sin still remains and the prospect of sinning in the future is bleak.  Therefore we must ask God for a second definite work of grace, whereby the root or sin nature is eradicated and therefore we can live without sin. 

At Salvation you receive a new influence, namely, the Holy Spirit.  You still have the old influence of the flesh. Which nature controls you, depends on which influence you are committed to.  If you are committed to the flesh, you have the old nature which leads to sin.  If you are committed to the Holy Spirit, you have the new nature which leads to holiness.  Sanctification is a crisis point in which you crucify, mortify, put to death, the old nature by once and for all consecrating your life to the leading of God’s Spirit