Pentecost and Sanctifying Grace

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified...

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”

- 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7

We Nazarenes – in keeping with our Wesleyan heritage – are people of grace: prevenient grace, saving grace, sanctifying grace, keeping grace.  We practice the “means of grace,” believe in “growth in grace,” and sing about “amazing grace.”  We need grace, receive grace, and extend grace.  We have a deep appreciation for the grace of God.   

As a holiness church, we believe that the grace of God calls us to the Spirit-filled life of entire sanctification.  We believe God calls us to live holy lives – lives pleasing to Him.  The purpose and goal of sanctification is Christlikeness (holiness): to make us like Jesus Christ.  This call to Christlikeness is made possible by sanctifying grace.  

We believe in the power of God’s grace to transform the human heart. It is this truth that has characterized Nazarene preaching perhaps more than any other truth. The sanctified heart is a heart marked by love – love for God, love for neighbor.  It is this love for neighbor that motivates our compassionate ministry – across the street and across the sea.

The doctrine of sanctification is a many-faceted diamond that can be explored from a variety of perspectives, including Lordship, perfect love, Sabbath rest, sacrifice, cleansing, crucifixion, devotedness, covenant, the Spirit-filled life, purity, power, freedom, Pentecost, glory, and Christlikeness. 

This is what we preach. 

This is what we teach.

This is what we believe.

This is what we live.

This coming Sunday – May 23 – is Pentecost Sunday. On Pentecost the Church was filled (with the Spirit) and filled again (with people) as seekers responded to a sermon focused on Jesus.

May the Church be filled again this Pentecost – with both the Spirit and with people.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.                          - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24