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!
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