"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.
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