Description

The Doctrine of Salvation—Sanctification: Controversies and Partnership

Chris Hefner

The Reformed/Baptist view – one event with a process of growth following.

Wesleyan view – a two stage view, crisis is necessary for sanctification. Some hold that perfection is possible.

Pentecostal view – roots in the Wesleyan tradition. Three common positions:

1. The Classical Holiness stream: baptism in the Spirit as Wesley’s entire sanctification (perfection).
2. The Holiness-Pentecostal Movement: sanctification as a second work of the Spirit preparing the Christian for the third work of Spirit baptism.
3. Pentecostalism: tied sanctification to salvation followed by baptism in the Spirit as a necessity.

Keswick view – two stages, crisis likely but the crisis is for empowerment.

Biblical Observations:

Sanctification is a Person: Jesus. (Matt. 5-7; Heb. 12:2).

Sanctification as a Position: “Such were some of you” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Sanctification as Partnership: Sanctification is something only God can do, and it is something we must participate in. (Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:12-13).

Sanctification as a Process (journey): The goal of sanctification is to make us like Christ (Rom. 8:29). This is an infinite journey (Lev. 19:2; 1 Peter 2:14-16).

Sanctification as a Place (heaven) (Is. 6; Rev. 4-5; 1 John 3:2).

Theological Takeaway: We must partner with God in the process of sanctification because Jesus is the goal, and God has made us holy.

Worship Takeaway: Through corporate and private worship we participate in our sanctification.

Evangelistic Takeaway: Our mission is to make disciples, not merely converts —following Jesus is partnering with God in sanctification.

Relational Takeaway: We need each other in this process.

Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org