Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2: 4-5: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." KJV
The Greek word for "enticing" is pi-thos' and it means persuasive. The Greek word for "power" in both verses is dunamis and it means miraculous power including the ideas of ability, abundance, and might. So the question is, "How is your speech?" Another question is, "Who are you listening to?" I am not interested in scholarly explanations that lead one to question the Holy Bible, that destroys ones faith, removes the supernatural, and leaves one dry in their spirit. Our Christian walk is to be filled with demonstrations of Spirit and power. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit that sanctifies us wholly and holy. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit so that everyday is an opportunity to spread the gospel that saves from all sin, both actual and inherited. We are to walk with the Holy Spirit on the highway of holiness. Isaiah 35: 8 states: "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." Wherever our feet take us must ne on that holiness highway. Moreover, Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." John 14:12
So I ask you, "How is your speech?" Do you walk in demonstration and power of the Spirit? Who are you listening to? What is their speech? If it is not like Paul's, perhaps you should reconsider. Most importantly, what highway are you on? Where does it lead you? Who is traveling with you? By the grace of God, I am on the highway of holiness. It is not by any acts of my righteousness, but by the blood of Jesus who died and rose again to save and sanctify me! Glory to His Name!
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Last Days Danger
1 Timothy 4:1-5: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
It is my belief that "latter times" refers to any time since the ascension of Jesus Christ to His second return. Thus, we are in the "latter times." The verses inform us that some "shall depart from the faith." What faith does Paul refer? Is it the Jewish faith? No. Is it the Christian faith? The learned scholar Dr. Adam Clarke said the following: "They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation." I have recently experienced this. There seems to be a move that seeks to deny the essential foundational elements of the Christian faith. There is a Trinity: a Father, a Son, and a Holy Ghost. They are three, yet One. I do not need to figure out how this is possible for it to be truth. I'm not sure exactly how my car starts when I push a button. I no longer insert a key into the ignition. I place my keys on the seat next to me and push a button and the car starts up. My lack of knowledge of how it is possible has no bearing on my ability to drive my car. My lack of understanding of the Trinity does not impact my seeing the Three in One operate in our world and in my life today.
It is my belief that "latter times" refers to any time since the ascension of Jesus Christ to His second return. Thus, we are in the "latter times." The verses inform us that some "shall depart from the faith." What faith does Paul refer? Is it the Jewish faith? No. Is it the Christian faith? The learned scholar Dr. Adam Clarke said the following: "They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation." I have recently experienced this. There seems to be a move that seeks to deny the essential foundational elements of the Christian faith. There is a Trinity: a Father, a Son, and a Holy Ghost. They are three, yet One. I do not need to figure out how this is possible for it to be truth. I'm not sure exactly how my car starts when I push a button. I no longer insert a key into the ignition. I place my keys on the seat next to me and push a button and the car starts up. My lack of knowledge of how it is possible has no bearing on my ability to drive my car. My lack of understanding of the Trinity does not impact my seeing the Three in One operate in our world and in my life today.
Another foundational truth of the Christian faith is the divinity of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed His Divinity. The apostles testified to His Divinity. Even the demons knew He was Divine. Yet, I have seen a movement that seeks to teach that Yeshua (Hebrew name for Jesus) is the Jewish Messiah, but not God incarnate. This is a dangerous error. I believe it is an example of departing from the faith. In the same way, the failure to recognize what took place at the cross is an example of falling away. At the cross, Jesus paid the price for my sins to save and sanctify me. In saving me, He forgave me of my past acts of sin. In sanctifying me, He took away the sin principle that I was born with. Another example of departing from the faith is living a life characterized by committing willful sin and believing that you still are on your way to heaven. He that commits sin is of the devil. No one born of God continues to commit sin as a way of life. Read 1 John 3 and you will see the test of being a Christian.
Over the next several posts, I will seek to explain some of the dangers of today that are causing people to depart from the faith. We are to remain true to the entire Christian faith.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Where Do You Stand?
I received an email from a Biblical scholar who emphasizes the Hebraic Roots of the Christian Faith. In that email, the learned Doctor stated the following: "'May Your mercy outweigh Your wrath,' pray the rabbis---and for very good reason. Who can stand before the Lord? 'A man with clean hands and a pure heart,' says David. And that leaves most of us looking in from the outside." As I read the email, the question occurred to me that how someone answers David's question could have very serious consequences. Where do you stand on the issue? How powerful is the blood of Jesus Christ in your life?
The Bible states in pertinent part in 1 John 3:8-9: "He that committeth sin is of the devil.... Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Further, Acts 15:8-9 states: "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."
From the above Scriptures, it would seem clear the following:
1. There is a state of salvation that exists that enables the believer to live a life without committing sin on a habitual basis.
2. The believer can live a life that is characterized by not committing sin to such a degree that it is impossible for the believer to commit habitual sin.
3. There exists a state of a clean heart which is received by faith from the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
4. The state of a pure heart is maintained by faith.
The above Scriptures deal with two types of sin:
1. Sin as in acts; and
2. Sin as a principle.
The blood of Jesus Christ saves a believer who has faith in that blood from all willful sin after repenting from all known sin. This is known as justification. The justified believer lives a life free from intentional sin. That same blood has the power to cleanse the heart from the sin principle after the believer consecrates, i.e. surrenders all the past, present, and future to the perfect will of God. I adhere to what has been referred to as "The Death Route." The Death Route is a process of the believer surrendering one carnal trait at a time to the Lord. Now, God does not crucify them one at a time, but in one fatal act. In that act, the "Old Man" is killed dead. He is not wounded, nor just injured, he is killed and buried. This is known as entire sanctification. It is a glorious experience to know that the sin principle has been removed; that one is free from committing willful sin and that no friend to sin is found within the heart.
In answer to David's question, I can testify that I have "clean hands and a pure heart!" I'm not on the outside looking in! I'm on the inside enjoying the beauty of holiness! Where are you?
The Bible states in pertinent part in 1 John 3:8-9: "He that committeth sin is of the devil.... Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Further, Acts 15:8-9 states: "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."
From the above Scriptures, it would seem clear the following:
1. There is a state of salvation that exists that enables the believer to live a life without committing sin on a habitual basis.
2. The believer can live a life that is characterized by not committing sin to such a degree that it is impossible for the believer to commit habitual sin.
3. There exists a state of a clean heart which is received by faith from the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
4. The state of a pure heart is maintained by faith.
The above Scriptures deal with two types of sin:
1. Sin as in acts; and
2. Sin as a principle.
The blood of Jesus Christ saves a believer who has faith in that blood from all willful sin after repenting from all known sin. This is known as justification. The justified believer lives a life free from intentional sin. That same blood has the power to cleanse the heart from the sin principle after the believer consecrates, i.e. surrenders all the past, present, and future to the perfect will of God. I adhere to what has been referred to as "The Death Route." The Death Route is a process of the believer surrendering one carnal trait at a time to the Lord. Now, God does not crucify them one at a time, but in one fatal act. In that act, the "Old Man" is killed dead. He is not wounded, nor just injured, he is killed and buried. This is known as entire sanctification. It is a glorious experience to know that the sin principle has been removed; that one is free from committing willful sin and that no friend to sin is found within the heart.
In answer to David's question, I can testify that I have "clean hands and a pure heart!" I'm not on the outside looking in! I'm on the inside enjoying the beauty of holiness! Where are you?
Saturday, July 23, 2016
How Can I Be Entirely Sanctified?
Years ago while teaching on the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification, I created a list of steps to be sanctified. It was for the purpose of teaching and not setting a "this is the only way to begin" the walk on the holiness highway. I'm hopeful that if the reader is still carnal, these steps may be of some benefit to him or her.
Step 1:
You must be born again and not committing any willful sin.
Scripture Proof: I John 3:6: "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
I John 3:8-9: "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...."
If you have a modern Bible translation that does speak with the same degree of certainty as the King James Version, you need to get rid of the modern translation and get a version based on the Textus Receptus that does not water down the commandment to "Go and sin no more."
Step 2:
Believe that sanctification is God's will for you.
Scripture Proof: I Thessalonians 4:3: "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication...."
Step 3:
Consecrate your all to living for God by dying out to self of all carnal lusts and appetites.
Scripture Proof: 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Explanation: Some might ask where is the dying out process seen in this verse. Paul is making a comparison of the Christian's living sacrifice to the sacrifices in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the priests would slay the animal before placing it on the altar. Could you imagine the priest trying to cut up the animal before it was dead? Can you imaging the priests trying to place a live animal on the burning altar? No, the sacrifice must be DEAD before it is placed on the altar. In the same way, the believer seeking to be entirely sanctified, must be a living sacrifice but dead to all carnal traits, such as pride, anger, evil speaking, greed, envy, jealousy, selfishness, deceit, love of praise, vengeance, etc. You are to ask God to show you one by one whatever is in your heart that is displeasing to Him. As He does show you, admit what He has shown you and ask God to cleanse you from that wickedness. You will die out one trait at a time, but when you are finished, and God has nothing more to show you, you are not entirely sanctified yet. What you have done is man's part called consecration.
Step 4:
Believe in faith that God does the work now.
Scripture Proof: Acts 26:18: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Jesus is speaking, added by author)."
Step 5:
Tarry (wait) until the fire falls and the work is complete. You will know when the fire falls. The fire falls in many ways. To some, there is a quiet rest and assurance. To others, there is an outbreak of emotion, e.g. crying, laughing, shouting, running, etc. Others, may wait a day or so before they know they are entirely sanctified. Make sure to testify to someone what the Lord has done for you! Make it a practice to testify at every opportunity you can to what God's grace has done for you!
Scripture Proof: Luke 24:49: (Jesus speaking after the resurrection to His disciples) "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
God bless you as you begin your walk on the Highway of Holiness!
Step 1:
You must be born again and not committing any willful sin.
Scripture Proof: I John 3:6: "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
I John 3:8-9: "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...."
If you have a modern Bible translation that does speak with the same degree of certainty as the King James Version, you need to get rid of the modern translation and get a version based on the Textus Receptus that does not water down the commandment to "Go and sin no more."
Step 2:
Believe that sanctification is God's will for you.
Scripture Proof: I Thessalonians 4:3: "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication...."
Step 3:
Consecrate your all to living for God by dying out to self of all carnal lusts and appetites.
Scripture Proof: 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Explanation: Some might ask where is the dying out process seen in this verse. Paul is making a comparison of the Christian's living sacrifice to the sacrifices in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the priests would slay the animal before placing it on the altar. Could you imagine the priest trying to cut up the animal before it was dead? Can you imaging the priests trying to place a live animal on the burning altar? No, the sacrifice must be DEAD before it is placed on the altar. In the same way, the believer seeking to be entirely sanctified, must be a living sacrifice but dead to all carnal traits, such as pride, anger, evil speaking, greed, envy, jealousy, selfishness, deceit, love of praise, vengeance, etc. You are to ask God to show you one by one whatever is in your heart that is displeasing to Him. As He does show you, admit what He has shown you and ask God to cleanse you from that wickedness. You will die out one trait at a time, but when you are finished, and God has nothing more to show you, you are not entirely sanctified yet. What you have done is man's part called consecration.
Step 4:
Believe in faith that God does the work now.
Scripture Proof: Acts 26:18: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Jesus is speaking, added by author)."
Step 5:
Tarry (wait) until the fire falls and the work is complete. You will know when the fire falls. The fire falls in many ways. To some, there is a quiet rest and assurance. To others, there is an outbreak of emotion, e.g. crying, laughing, shouting, running, etc. Others, may wait a day or so before they know they are entirely sanctified. Make sure to testify to someone what the Lord has done for you! Make it a practice to testify at every opportunity you can to what God's grace has done for you!
Scripture Proof: Luke 24:49: (Jesus speaking after the resurrection to His disciples) "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
God bless you as you begin your walk on the Highway of Holiness!
Friday, July 15, 2016
Holiness: What Is It? by Samuel L. Brengle
HOLINESS -- WHAT IS IT?
"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom, of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. vii. 21).
Now, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification ... For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thess. iv. 3, 7). Without holiness, "no man can see the Lord" (Heb. xii. 14). Therefore, "Be ye holy!" (I Pet. i. 16). Any one who reads his Bible in sincerity, "not handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor. iv. 2), will see that it plainly teaches that God expects His people to be holy, and that we must be holy to be happy and useful here and to enter the kingdom of Heaven hereafter.
"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom, of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. vii. 21).
Now, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification ... For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thess. iv. 3, 7). Without holiness, "no man can see the Lord" (Heb. xii. 14). Therefore, "Be ye holy!" (I Pet. i. 16). Any one who reads his Bible in sincerity, "not handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor. iv. 2), will see that it plainly teaches that God expects His people to be holy, and that we must be holy to be happy and useful here and to enter the kingdom of Heaven hereafter.
When once a true man is convinced that the Bible teaches these facts and that this is God's
will, he will next inquire, "What is this holiness? When can I get it, and how?"
There is much difference of opinion on all these points, although the Bible is simple and plain on each one to every honest seeker after truth.
The Bible tells us that holiness is perfect deliverance from sin. "The Blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from ALL sin" (I John 1:7). Not one bit of sin is left, for your old man is crucified with Him, "that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. vi. 6), for we are "made free from sin" (Rom. vi. 18).
And we are henceforth to reckon ourselves "dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. vi. 11).
The Bible also tells us that it is "perfect love," which must, in the very nature of the case, expel from the heart all hatred and every evil temper contrary to love, just as you must first empty a cup of all oil that may be in it before you can fill it with water.
Thus, holiness is a state in which there is no anger, malice, blasphemy, hypocrisy, envy, love of ease, selfish desires for good opinion of men, shame of the Cross, worldliness, deceit, debate, contention, covetousness, nor any evil desire or tendency in the heart.
It is a state in which there is no longer any doubt or fear.
It is a state in which God is loved and trusted with a perfect heart.
But though the heart may be perfect, the head may be very imperfect, and through the imperfections of his head -- of his memory, his judgment, his reason -- the holy man may make many mistakes. Yet God looks at the sincerity of his purpose, at the love and faith of his heart -- not at the imperfections of the head -- and calls him a holy man.
Holiness is not absolute perfection, which belongs to God only; nor is it angelic perfection; nor is it Adamic perfection -- for, no doubt, Adam had a perfect head as well as a perfect heart before he sinned against God. But it is Christian perfection -- such perfection and obedience of the heart as a poor fallen creature, aided by almighty power and boundless grace, can give.
It is that state of heart and life which consists in being and doing all the time -- not by fits and starts, but steadily -- just what God wants us to be and do.
Jesus said, "Make the tree good, and his fruit good" (Matt. xii. 33). Now, an apple-tree is an apple-tree all the time, and can bring forth nothing but apples. So holiness is that perfect renewal of our nature that makes us essentially good, so that we continually bring forth fruit unto God -- "the fruit of the Spirit," which "is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal. v. 22, 23), with never a single work of the flesh grafted in among this heavenly fruitage.
There is much difference of opinion on all these points, although the Bible is simple and plain on each one to every honest seeker after truth.
The Bible tells us that holiness is perfect deliverance from sin. "The Blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from ALL sin" (I John 1:7). Not one bit of sin is left, for your old man is crucified with Him, "that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. vi. 6), for we are "made free from sin" (Rom. vi. 18).
And we are henceforth to reckon ourselves "dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. vi. 11).
The Bible also tells us that it is "perfect love," which must, in the very nature of the case, expel from the heart all hatred and every evil temper contrary to love, just as you must first empty a cup of all oil that may be in it before you can fill it with water.
Thus, holiness is a state in which there is no anger, malice, blasphemy, hypocrisy, envy, love of ease, selfish desires for good opinion of men, shame of the Cross, worldliness, deceit, debate, contention, covetousness, nor any evil desire or tendency in the heart.
It is a state in which there is no longer any doubt or fear.
It is a state in which God is loved and trusted with a perfect heart.
But though the heart may be perfect, the head may be very imperfect, and through the imperfections of his head -- of his memory, his judgment, his reason -- the holy man may make many mistakes. Yet God looks at the sincerity of his purpose, at the love and faith of his heart -- not at the imperfections of the head -- and calls him a holy man.
Holiness is not absolute perfection, which belongs to God only; nor is it angelic perfection; nor is it Adamic perfection -- for, no doubt, Adam had a perfect head as well as a perfect heart before he sinned against God. But it is Christian perfection -- such perfection and obedience of the heart as a poor fallen creature, aided by almighty power and boundless grace, can give.
It is that state of heart and life which consists in being and doing all the time -- not by fits and starts, but steadily -- just what God wants us to be and do.
Jesus said, "Make the tree good, and his fruit good" (Matt. xii. 33). Now, an apple-tree is an apple-tree all the time, and can bring forth nothing but apples. So holiness is that perfect renewal of our nature that makes us essentially good, so that we continually bring forth fruit unto God -- "the fruit of the Spirit," which "is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal. v. 22, 23), with never a single work of the flesh grafted in among this heavenly fruitage.
Glory to God! It is possible, right down here, where sin and Satan have once ruined us, for
the Son of God thus to transform us, by enabling us to "put off the old man" with his deeds, and to
"put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. iv. 22,
24), being "renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him"
But some objector says, "Yes, all you say is true, only I don't believe we can be holy till the hour of death. The Christian life is a warfare, and we must fight the good fight of faith until we die, and then I believe God will give us dying grace."
A great many honest Christians hold exactly this view, and hence put forth no real effort to "stand perfect and complete in all the (present) will of God" (Col. iv. 12) for them. And though they pray daily, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. vi. 10), yet they do not believe it is possible for them to do the will of God, and so they really make Jesus the author of a vain prayer, which it is only idle mockery to repeat.
But it is as easy for me to be and to do what God wants me to be and to do in this life, every day, as it is for Gabriel to be and do what God wants of him. If this is not so, then God is neither good nor just in His requirements of me.
God requires me to love and serve Him with all my heart, and Gabriel can do no more than that. And by God's grace it is as easy for me as for the archangel. Besides, God promises me that if I will return unto the Lord and obey His voice ... with all my heart, and with all my soul, that He will circumcise my heart ... to love Him with all my heart, and all my soul (Deut. xxx. 2, 6). And again, He promises that He would "grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life" (Luke i. 74, 75).
This promise in itself ought to convince any honest soul that God means us to be holy in this life.
The good fight of faith is a fight to retain this blessing against the assaults of Satan, the fogs of doubt, and the attacks of an ignorant and unbelieving church and world.
It is not a fight against ourselves after we are sanctified, for Paul expressly declares that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in heavenly places" (Eph. vi. 12; marginal reading).
Again, in the whole word of God, there is not one sentence to prove that this blessing is not received before death; and surely, it is only by accepting from God's hands His offered living grace that we can hope to be granted dying grace.
But the Bible declares (2 Cor. ix. 8) that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" -- not at death but in this life, when grace is needed and where our good works are to be done.
But some objector says, "Yes, all you say is true, only I don't believe we can be holy till the hour of death. The Christian life is a warfare, and we must fight the good fight of faith until we die, and then I believe God will give us dying grace."
A great many honest Christians hold exactly this view, and hence put forth no real effort to "stand perfect and complete in all the (present) will of God" (Col. iv. 12) for them. And though they pray daily, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. vi. 10), yet they do not believe it is possible for them to do the will of God, and so they really make Jesus the author of a vain prayer, which it is only idle mockery to repeat.
But it is as easy for me to be and to do what God wants me to be and to do in this life, every day, as it is for Gabriel to be and do what God wants of him. If this is not so, then God is neither good nor just in His requirements of me.
God requires me to love and serve Him with all my heart, and Gabriel can do no more than that. And by God's grace it is as easy for me as for the archangel. Besides, God promises me that if I will return unto the Lord and obey His voice ... with all my heart, and with all my soul, that He will circumcise my heart ... to love Him with all my heart, and all my soul (Deut. xxx. 2, 6). And again, He promises that He would "grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life" (Luke i. 74, 75).
This promise in itself ought to convince any honest soul that God means us to be holy in this life.
The good fight of faith is a fight to retain this blessing against the assaults of Satan, the fogs of doubt, and the attacks of an ignorant and unbelieving church and world.
It is not a fight against ourselves after we are sanctified, for Paul expressly declares that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in heavenly places" (Eph. vi. 12; marginal reading).
Again, in the whole word of God, there is not one sentence to prove that this blessing is not received before death; and surely, it is only by accepting from God's hands His offered living grace that we can hope to be granted dying grace.
But the Bible declares (2 Cor. ix. 8) that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" -- not at death but in this life, when grace is needed and where our good works are to be done.
Monday, July 4, 2016
A Second Work of Grace
The following is from the book "This Is Entire Sanctification" by Ismael E. Amaya:
"One of the most important aspects of the experience of entire sanctification is that it is
presented in the Bible as a second work of grace. This is very simple to comprehend for many
sincere believers; however it is difficult for others. Many people accept holiness as a divine work,
but not as a second experience reserved only for the believers regenerated by the blood of Jesus
Christ Some accept it as imparted to the sinner in the experience of regeneration. This is not
possible for several reasons:
In the first place, the need for a second work of grace stems from the nature of sin itself. Sin is twofold, consisting of (1) volitional acts (sins) of the individual (for which he is personally responsible) and (2) the inward pollution (sin) or the sin principle (which he has inherited and for which he is not personally responsible). For the first, man must seek forgiveness (the first work); but for the second, he needs cleansing (the second work). Furthermore, an unforgiven heart is not a candidate for cleansing.
It should be noted, too, that when the sinner comes to Christ he comes burdened by his own sins; comes in repentance and under deep conviction for the sins which he has committed. He may, and should, shed bitter tears of repentance. His heart and mind are concerned with only one thing -- to have the sins of the past forgiven, to have his load of guilt lifted. The experience of holiness is not his immediate concern. If he has not been taught about the "second blessing," the glorious experience he now enjoys, the relief from the burden of his sins, together with the emotion produced by that event so sublime, is completely satisfying. He cannot imagine that there is something better than the experience of conversion. The first work of grace is, indeed, a complete work.
The sense of need for a second work of grace may come to a person very soon, or more slowly, depending on his background, teaching, and experience. He may be already instructed in the way. He may be led to seek the experience through the study of the Scriptures, or through the testimonies of the persons who already have been sanctified. At the same time a sense of personal
In the first place, the need for a second work of grace stems from the nature of sin itself. Sin is twofold, consisting of (1) volitional acts (sins) of the individual (for which he is personally responsible) and (2) the inward pollution (sin) or the sin principle (which he has inherited and for which he is not personally responsible). For the first, man must seek forgiveness (the first work); but for the second, he needs cleansing (the second work). Furthermore, an unforgiven heart is not a candidate for cleansing.
It should be noted, too, that when the sinner comes to Christ he comes burdened by his own sins; comes in repentance and under deep conviction for the sins which he has committed. He may, and should, shed bitter tears of repentance. His heart and mind are concerned with only one thing -- to have the sins of the past forgiven, to have his load of guilt lifted. The experience of holiness is not his immediate concern. If he has not been taught about the "second blessing," the glorious experience he now enjoys, the relief from the burden of his sins, together with the emotion produced by that event so sublime, is completely satisfying. He cannot imagine that there is something better than the experience of conversion. The first work of grace is, indeed, a complete work.
The sense of need for a second work of grace may come to a person very soon, or more slowly, depending on his background, teaching, and experience. He may be already instructed in the way. He may be led to seek the experience through the study of the Scriptures, or through the testimonies of the persons who already have been sanctified. At the same time a sense of personal
need will begin to develop -- a desire for an experience that will help him to live a victorious
Christian life. When this need increases to the extent that it gets to be a petition to God, then the
individual starts seeking the experience of entire sanctification.
Then, too, the Bible presents clearly both experiences. The more we study about them, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through prayer, the more clearly we see them. The two experiences are so different that in certain aspects they seem to be the opposite of each other...."
Have you received the second work of grace in your heart? If you have not and would like to know more, please contact us. We would consider it an honor and privilege to share Bible truths with you.
Then, too, the Bible presents clearly both experiences. The more we study about them, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through prayer, the more clearly we see them. The two experiences are so different that in certain aspects they seem to be the opposite of each other...."
Have you received the second work of grace in your heart? If you have not and would like to know more, please contact us. We would consider it an honor and privilege to share Bible truths with you.
Monday, June 13, 2016
9 Scriptural Reasons for Holiness
The research for this post comes from a message preached by Rev. John R. Church, D.D., in 1968, at the Central Holiness Camp Meeting in Wilmore, KY. Dr. Church was a General Evangelist for the United Methodist Church. The 9 Reasons are Biblically based. This blog merely puts forth the the Word of God. The reader's agreement or disagreement is with the Lord, not the writer.
1. God has sworn that we can be holy, and live it. Luke 1:73-75: The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
2. God commands us to be holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
3. It is God's will that we be sanctified. 1 Thess 4:3:For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4. God calls us to holiness. To despise this call, is to despise God. 1 Thess 4:7-8: For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
5. Jesus died that we might be sanctified. Heb 13:12: Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
6. Jesus is not ashamed of those of those who are sanctified. Heb 2:11:For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
7. No one can get to heaven without holiness. Heb 12:14:Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
8. God chastens us in order to make us partakers of His holiness. Heb 12:6-10:For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
9. It is God's choice for us. Eph 1:4:According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
1. God has sworn that we can be holy, and live it. Luke 1:73-75: The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
2. God commands us to be holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
3. It is God's will that we be sanctified. 1 Thess 4:3:For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4. God calls us to holiness. To despise this call, is to despise God. 1 Thess 4:7-8: For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
5. Jesus died that we might be sanctified. Heb 13:12: Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
6. Jesus is not ashamed of those of those who are sanctified. Heb 2:11:For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
7. No one can get to heaven without holiness. Heb 12:14:Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
8. God chastens us in order to make us partakers of His holiness. Heb 12:6-10:For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
9. It is God's choice for us. Eph 1:4:According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Welcome to the International Wesleyan Holiness Association
Greetings! My name is Barry Jenkins Sr and I am a Director of the International Wesleyan Holiness Association. First, thank you for visiting our blog. Please return often as we will be adding new content on a regular basis. Second, it is fair to ask in this first blog post, "What is the IWHA and why have you started it at this time?" The answer begins in 1976. It starts with my love for books and book stores. I answered an altar call at a Baptist Church in 1974 and began my Christian walk. I graduated from Old Dominion University in 1976 and entered law school that same year in the fall at the College of William and Mary. Across the street from the law school at 255 Richmond Road was a Christian book store called the Maranatha House. Maranatha can be interpreted as "Come, Lord." I was familiar with the term so I knew I was walking into a Christian book store. On an afternoon in the fall of 1976 I walked into the little book store and expected to see what was new in Christian books. Little did I realize that this one event would be a turning point in my life. I met an elderly gentleman in his 80's named Brother J. Herbert Norton who said he was the owner. As I looked around the book store I saw books written by people I had never heard of, e.g. "Uncle" Bud Robinson, J.A. Wood, Bishop Foster, M.W. Knapp, Beverly Carradine and too many more to name. It was explained to me that these were holiness books. Over the next three years I learned much sitting at the feet of Rev. Norton who explained the doctrine of entire sanctification to me. Rev. Norton did not live long enough to see the seeds he planted into my heart bear fruit, but they did. Years later, I would experience what it meant to have a pure heart and be entirely sanctified. I have had several detours in my life, but I always returned back to being in the "holiness crowd." A second person who had a major impact in my life is Rev. Duane Maxey. He was instrumental in providing the tools to enable me to mature in my faith and in an understanding about the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification.
So the answer to the questions, "what is the IWHA and why have you started it at this time," are threefold:
1. To continue the ministry of Rev. Herbert Norton, the Wesleyan Holiness minister that sowed the first seeds into my life about Biblical holiness; and
2. To spread the DVDs and flash drives of Rev. Duane Maxey around the world. These DVDs and flash drives contain a lifetime of materials that can be used by one in the ministry, whether pastoring at home or on the mission field, or for the layman that wants to read the books and stories that will encourage them to walk in Scriptural Holiness; and
3. Finally, and most importantly, to bring honor and glory and worship to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and to bring the message of salvation to the lost and entire sanctification to the believer.
While I never post to argue and debate, if you have questions that we can help you with, please do ask and we will respond. We also support orphans and widows around the globe. In addition, we allow ministries and ministers to affiliate with us for the purposes of prayer and support.
May you be blessed as you read the books, devotions and blog posts.
So the answer to the questions, "what is the IWHA and why have you started it at this time," are threefold:
1. To continue the ministry of Rev. Herbert Norton, the Wesleyan Holiness minister that sowed the first seeds into my life about Biblical holiness; and
2. To spread the DVDs and flash drives of Rev. Duane Maxey around the world. These DVDs and flash drives contain a lifetime of materials that can be used by one in the ministry, whether pastoring at home or on the mission field, or for the layman that wants to read the books and stories that will encourage them to walk in Scriptural Holiness; and
3. Finally, and most importantly, to bring honor and glory and worship to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and to bring the message of salvation to the lost and entire sanctification to the believer.
While I never post to argue and debate, if you have questions that we can help you with, please do ask and we will respond. We also support orphans and widows around the globe. In addition, we allow ministries and ministers to affiliate with us for the purposes of prayer and support.
May you be blessed as you read the books, devotions and blog posts.
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