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A Holy Calling Often Misunderstood
A bold phrase, isn’t it?
“Entire Sanctification.” You’ve probably heard it in a sermon read it in a lesson or come across it whilest going through Nazarene beliefs.
But what does it really mean?
Is it even possible?
Is it biblical?
📖 What Does the Bible Say About Entire Sanctification?
The doctrine of entire sanctification isn’t just theological language — it’s firmly rooted in Scripture. Here are several key passages:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
“May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Romans 12:1
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
- 1 John 1:7, 9
“…the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
These verses reveal God’s desire not only to forgive sin, but also to cleanse the heart, fill us with His Spirit, and call us to a life of holiness.
📘 What Does the Church of the Nazarene Teach?
The Church Manual offers a clear and rich explanation of entire sanctification. According to Paragraph 10.1:
“We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect.”
It adds:
“It is wrought by the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit…”
This means:
- It comes after salvation.
- It cleanses the believer from inherited sin.
- It is God’s work, not something we earn.
- It fills the heart with perfect love and devotion.
✝️ How Does It Happen?
The Manual (Paragraph 10.3) describes the process:
“Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by grace through faith, preceded by entire consecration…”
Let’s simplify:
- It’s through grace, not effort.
- It happens in a moment — though growth continues after.
- It requires total surrender — full consecration to God.
- We receive it by faith.
🌱 What About Growth After Sanctification?
The Manual is careful to distinguish between two realities:
“We believe that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart and a mature character. The former is obtained in an instant… the latter is the result of growth in grace.”
(Paragraph 10.4)
- A pure heart comes instantly by God’s act.
- A mature character is built through a lifetime of walking with God.
So yes — spiritual growth continues after sanctification.
🌍 Is Entire Sanctification for Everyone?
Absolutely. According to Paragraph 10.2:
“This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phases, such as ‘Christian perfection,’ ‘perfect love,’ ‘heart purity,’ ‘the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit,’ ‘the fullness of the blessing,’ and ‘Christian holiness.’”
This is not a gift for the few — it is available to every believer who is fully surrendered and believes.
🕊 In Summary
Entire sanctification is:
- A second, definite work of grace.
- A cleansing of the heart from original sin.
- Biblically grounded, and doctrinally clear.
- Instant in experience, lifelong in growth.
- A call to live in holy love, empowered by the Spirit.
🙏 Still Wondering What This Means for You?
That’s okay.
The doctrine of holiness is not just a lesson — it’s a lifelong journey.
- Talk to your pastor.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clarity.
- Pray for a heart ready to be fully surrendered.
Share this with someone asking, “What is holiness really?” — and let them encounter the fullness of God’s love. ❤️
