Holiness and Entire Sanctification

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.                Article 10, Manual, Church of the Nazarene

If holiness is a beautiful diamond with many striking facets, as has been suggested, then the distinctive facet the Church of the Nazarene has gazed at the most, spoken of the most, written of the most, and pointed the attention of others to the most, is the facet called “entire sanctification.” From our origin, the Church of the Nazarene has understood that God raised us up to emphasize this distinctive doctrine.

We believe that sanctification is a lifelong process of spiritual growth, marked by two special moments:

Initial sanctification: When a person is born again and becomes a Christian.

Entire sanctification: When a Christian becomes entirely devoted to God, freed from original sin, and filled with perfected love.

One thing the Bible makes clear is that God is “all in.” His gives himself fully to Creation, and once sin enters the world, he gives himself fully to our redemption.  He makes provision—in Jesus Christ—not only for our sins to be fully forgiven, but for our hearts to be totally cleansed and completely filled with the Holy Spirit. God is “all in.”

Another thing the Bible makes equally clear is that God invites humanity, the crown of His creation, to love Him totally—with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to be “all in.”

Our part is our consecration. Just as repentance precedes justification, consecration precedes sanctification. We present ourselves as living sacrifices, never more fully alive than when we are completely dead to self.  God’s part is our sanctification. He sanctifies our sacrifice—cleansing our hearts, filling us with the Holy Spirit, setting us apart for his service. 

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 5:32-24

It is our privilege to both experience this grace and to invite others to experience it.