Also Purification

As we saw in the previous chapter, sanctification, especially in the sense in which it is used in the Old Testament, means "separation." This involves not only a separation from the world but a separation to God.

But this is only one of the meanings of the term. It also means "purification" or "cleansing" and it is in this sense m which it is applied to the work of entire sanctification by which God makes man's heart, corrupted and stained by original sin, completely holy and clean. It is an instantaneous work of divine grace wrought in the heart of the justified person.

The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene clearly states in its Articles of Faith the twofold aspects of the doctrine of holiness: "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 is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for life and service.

Dr. H. Orton Wiley says: "While the primary meaning of the word holy is setting apart, or separation, this in the New Testament takes on the other deeper significance of cleansing from all sin." He also says that the "first marked result is the purification of the heart from inbred sin." Peter, referring to what happened at Cornelius' home, said that God "put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). Commenting on this text Dr. Wiley says: "Since this statement was made about eighteen years after Pentecost, it is evident that Peter regarded the purification of the heart as one of the important and abiding factors in entire sanctification. No scriptural doctrine and experience can overlook it. This is foundational."

Adam Clarke defines holiness as "the cleansing of the blood that has not been cleansed; it is the washing of the soul of a true believer from the remains of sin." Dr. Edward F. Walker defined sanctification as a "personal cleansing from sin, in order to a holy life." Dr. John W. Goodwin defined it as "a divine work of grace, purifying the believer's heart from indwelling sin."

In the New Testament we are called to a life of holiness, or purification. Let us consider the following scriptures: "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thess. 4:3, 7). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).

Paul's repeated exhortation to the Thessalonians was to holiness. In this passage, the contrast is drawn between the uncleanness which is in the world and the purity to which all Christians are called. In the Hebrew passage, the emphasis is that a holy heart is God's requirement for entrance into heaven. It is quite logical that a holy God, who abides in a holy place, should require that all who want to go where He is be also holy (pure). Nothing unclean and filthy can inherit the kingdom of God. Adam Clarke says that the author refers "to that life of continual sanctification, that life of purity and detachment from the world and all its lust, without which detachment and sanctity no man shall see the Lord--shall never enjoy His presence in the world of blessedness."

The Apostle John says: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). In other words, this is a continuing experience of cleansing provided we keep close fellowship with God. This means that we are in a state of constant readiness to meet Him.