INTRODUCTION

Hebrews 12:14
God’s Word teaches that Entire Sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer’s heart is purified and made holy. It cannot be attained progressively by works, struggle, or suppression, but is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living (Luke 1:74–75; John 17:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7–8; 5:22–24; Ephesians 5:25–27; Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:11–12; Titus 2:11–14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14–16).

The doctrine of Entire Sanctification is central in the mind of the Godhead. Sanctification means to make sacred or holy; to set apart for a holy or religious use; to make free from sin; to cleanse from moral corruption. It is the act of God’s grace by which human affections are purified from sin and exalted to supreme love for God. It is to prepare for divine service and holy living, freeing the believer from the power of sin. Sanctification is an operation of the Holy Spirit, not by works, growth, or human effort. Those already in Christ, regenerated with a new heart and spirit, are further sanctified through the virtue of Christ’s death, resurrection, Word, and Spirit.

SUB TOPICS:

1. SCRIPTURAL VIEW OF SANCTIFICATION

   Sanctification is an instantaneous experience enabling a believer to cleave to God without the tendency to stray. One grows IN sanctification, not INTO it. It is not brought about by death (I Corinthians 15:26), Water Baptism, or works; it is the work of God divinely wrought by the Holy Spirit.

   Holiness, Perfection, and Sanctification are often used interchangeably:

   • Holiness: Entire freedom from sin; spiritual health, moral integrity, and purity (Luke 1:74–75; Psalm 29:2; 93:5; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14).
   • Perfection: The heart purified, loving every believer as Christ loves, loving neighbors as self (Colossians 1:28).
   • Sanctification: A “clean” or “pure” heart (Psalm 24:3–4; Matthew 5:8), separated from the world in purity and love. Blameless before God, where His will reigns without rival.
2. CONDITIONS FOR SANCTIFICATION

   To be sanctified, the believer must practice:

   • Definite separation from all sins and appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Corinthians 6:17).
   • Separation from immorality and unclean things (2 Timothy 2:21).
   • ENTIRE consecration — giving all we are to God (Luke 9:60; Romans 12:1–2).
   • Presenting the body to God’s glory without selfish motives, acknowledging redemption by Christ’s blood.
   • Dedication to service, following Jesus’ example of humility (John 13:12–17).
   • Death to self — yielding all personal past, present, future, possessions, wisdom, talents, influence, and position (John 12:24–26).

   When a believer is thus separated and dedicated to God, He grants the experience of Entire Sanctification — a definite act of God’s grace in the heart (Hebrews 2:11; 13:12–13).

3. ENTRANCE INTO SANCTIFICATION

   God provides His Word, Blood, Faith, Spirit, and Himself as the free gift for sanctification (John 15:3; Hebrews 13:12–13; Acts 26:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:23). It is God’s perfect will that believers be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; 1 John 5:14–15).

   Sanctification produces holiness in the heart, enabling righteous living. Believers must desire it, pray fervently in faith (Mark 11:24), and maintain it by abiding in Christ, watching, and praying (John 15:4; Mark 13:32–35).

   Avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, harshness, unprofitable conversation, unkind criticism, evil speaking, faultfinding, self-indulgence, prejudice, impatience, negligence, poor self-management, or pursuing objects of temptation (Ephesians 4:30–31; 5:3–4).