Is there a distinction between entire consecration and entire sanctification?
There is; and the act of entire consecration should not be confounded with the fact of entire sanctification. Submission to God, or entire consecration, is our act, with assisting grace. Entire sanctification is God's work, wrought in the soul. Sanctification follows consecration in point of time, as the offering is made before the sin consuming power is received. Sanctification always includes consecration; but entire consecration does not necessarily include entire sanctification, -- it precedes and accompanies it.
A Congregationalist, Rev. Dr. Upham, states this distinction thus: "I do not consider consecration and sanctification the same thing. Consecration is the incipient, the prerequisite act. It is the laying ourselves upon the altar; but it is not until God has accepted the sacrifice, and wrought upon us by the consuming and restoring work of the Holy Spirit, that we can be said to be sanctified. It is true the one may immediately and almost instantaneously follow the other and this will be the case when faith in God is perfect." To this Bishop Janes responds "Amen, Never did uninspired man state the point more scripturally or with more clearness and force." -- Introduction to Pioneer Experiences.
Dr. Fowler says "There are two postulates taught by the advocates of the 'higher life,' as the essential conditions of it." attainment, namely, entire consecration, and absolute faith in God's acceptance of the consecration. " -- Editorial in Advocate.
83. What is the difference between the consecration previous to conversion and that previous to entire sanctification?
They are essentially the same, each involving submission to God and the true spirit of obedience. But, while in principle they are the same, that which precedes entire sanctification is made with a fuller and deeper sense of the import of full submission to God. The penitent seeking pardon, consecrates himself to the full extent of his discovery of truth and duty but only with the light of a convicted sinner. The believer, seeking purity, renews this consecration, in view of the revelations which increasing light, time, and the word of God have made of his duty and moral deficiency.
84. Is any particular standard of conviction necessary in seeking holiness?
To believe in the doctrine of sanctification, and at the same time to know that you have not experienced it, and need it, is all that is necessary. Certainly, this is all that is necessary to commence seeking it; then, if deeper convictions are needful, they will be given in the improvement of present convictions. The object of conviction is to lead to action. "Knowledge is conviction;" and a clear perception of duty is all that a rational being should ask.
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