BLJ: We continue with some basic doctrinal studies. The more I spend time with some who call themselves "Christians," the more I understand the term, "Granola Christians." They are fruits, flakes and nuts. A basic understanding of Christian doctrine can help people be more grounded in the faith.
9. What is the Christian belief in God?
We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign of the universe. That he only is God, creative and administrative, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose (Manual, page 25 [1]). "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4). "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable" (Psalm 147:5). "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:3) "Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (I Tim. 1:17).
10. What is the nature of God?
God is a Spirit, one God, Triune in essential being, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Manual, page 25 [1], adapted). "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). "Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19). "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen" (II Con 13:14).
11. How may we know the existence of God?
The existence of God is made known in His creative acts, in His providential care, in the revelation given of Him in the Holy Scriptures, and by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. "For the visible things of him [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" (Rom. 1:20). "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works..... The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfieth the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145:9, 15, 16). God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6)
12. How is the Fatherhood of God revealed?
His Fatherhood is revealed in His love and power, in His providential care over man and as the Giver of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. "The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared" (Titus 3:4). "... Your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:45). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
13. How did the Son of God become man?
The Son who was eternally one with the Father became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say the Godhead and manhood, are thus united in one person very God and very man, the God-man (Manual page 26 [2] adapted) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:1, 14). "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (John 17:5). "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matt. 1:23). "And the angel answered and said unto her [Mary], The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). "For in him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9).
14. What is the special work of the Son?
He is the revelation of God and the Redeemer of the world. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that He truly rose from the dead and took again His body [now glorified], together with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us (Manual, page 26 [2] adapted). "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:34).
15. What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune Godhead is ever present and efficiently active in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus. (Manual, page 26 [3]). "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:16, 26). "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth ... He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:8, 13, 14). "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth" (II Thess. 2:13).
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian's Book
BLJ: The Holy Bible is the standard for our faith and practice. When people leave the words of Scripture and its principles, you will see error in practice in a short time. We need to be reading and studying our Bibles every day to make sure we do not believe false teachings and end up in apostacy.
THE CHRISTIAN'S BOOK
5. What is the sacred book of Christianity?
The sacred book of Christianity is the Holy Bible, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments.
6. How was the message of the Bible given?
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures by which we understand that the Bible was given by divine inspiration (Manual, page 26 [4]). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:15, 16). "For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:21).
7. What do the Scriptures reveal?
The Scriptures inerrantly reveal the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation; so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith (Manual, page 26 [4]). "... the holy scriptures ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:15). "Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). "These were written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31).
8. What general proof may be given for the divine inspiration of the Bible?
The statements of the men of God that in their writings they were giving the word of God; its fulfilled prophecies; the recognized unexcelled moral quality and the inherent spiritual worth of the Bible; the completeness and unity of its redemptive message; and the fact that the Holy Spirit brings through it the message of light and power to all men today, provide a general proof of its divine inspiration. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel" (Exodus 34:27). "And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1, 2) "The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).
THE CHRISTIAN'S BOOK
5. What is the sacred book of Christianity?
The sacred book of Christianity is the Holy Bible, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments.
6. How was the message of the Bible given?
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures by which we understand that the Bible was given by divine inspiration (Manual, page 26 [4]). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:15, 16). "For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:21).
7. What do the Scriptures reveal?
The Scriptures inerrantly reveal the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation; so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith (Manual, page 26 [4]). "... the holy scriptures ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:15). "Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). "These were written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31).
8. What general proof may be given for the divine inspiration of the Bible?
The statements of the men of God that in their writings they were giving the word of God; its fulfilled prophecies; the recognized unexcelled moral quality and the inherent spiritual worth of the Bible; the completeness and unity of its redemptive message; and the fact that the Holy Spirit brings through it the message of light and power to all men today, provide a general proof of its divine inspiration. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel" (Exodus 34:27). "And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1, 2) "The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Doctrinal Study: What is Christianity
BLJ: I wanted to post a few days on Christian doctrine. I firmly believe that a lack of a good foundation makes it difficult to build any structure. Our foundation is Jesus Christ as revealed through the Holy Scriptures. Without sound doctrine, many errors in practice will be seen. For example, I once had a "Christian" husband ask me if he could divorce his wife after seven years because in the Old Testament all the slaves were set free after seven years. You can probably guess what I said to him. Understanding doctrine will keep you from error. The text come from a booklet, "The ABCs of Christian Doctrine."
WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
1. What is Christianity?
Christianity is the religion founded upon Jesus Christ, His teachings and atoning work, and promulgated by the universal brotherhood of believers, the Christian Church, bringing to all mankind the true revelation of God and of His redeeming love.
2. What summarizes the Christian creed?
The Apostle's Creed, namely: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic (in the sense of Universal) Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
3. What is the Christian's model prayer?
The Lord's Prayer-Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:9:13).
4. What is the summary of the Christian moral law?
a. The Ten Commandments
I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's (Exodus 20 3-17).
b. And the commandments given by Jesus: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:30-31). "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34)
WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
1. What is Christianity?
Christianity is the religion founded upon Jesus Christ, His teachings and atoning work, and promulgated by the universal brotherhood of believers, the Christian Church, bringing to all mankind the true revelation of God and of His redeeming love.
2. What summarizes the Christian creed?
The Apostle's Creed, namely: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic (in the sense of Universal) Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
3. What is the Christian's model prayer?
The Lord's Prayer-Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:9:13).
4. What is the summary of the Christian moral law?
a. The Ten Commandments
I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's (Exodus 20 3-17).
b. And the commandments given by Jesus: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:30-31). "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34)
Monday, May 11, 2020
The Secret of Living a Holy Life
BLJ: Today's lesson provides some very practical advice for how to live a holy life. These short answers are packed with a depth of understand for living the sanctified life. Read and apply.
HOLY LIVING
1. Is the sanctified child of God equipped to live a life of holiness in this wicked world?
The experience of entire sanctification is God's provision by which His children may through His grace "live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:12).
2. What is the secret of living such a life of holiness?
The secret of the life of holiness is that the sanctified child of God fully depends upon the Holy Spirit and His fullness within his heart to keep him pure and clean in this sinful world. He realizes that all purity or holiness he possesses is because he has through consecration and faith brought himself into such a relationship with Christ where He entirely sanctifies him and it is only as this relationship is maintained that he as God's child can live a life of holiness.
3. Should the sanctified child of God be concerned mainly with his own endeavors to keep himself pure?
No. He should be very careful to walk in the light of obedience to the Holy Spirit, as a result of thus walking in the light he will have fellowship with God, and through having fellowship with God the blood of Jesus Christ keeps him clean (John 1:7). Obedience and fellowship are the necessary elements of continued purity.
4. What attitude should the sanctified individual have toward the Holy Spirit?
He must realize that the Holy Spirit is his very life and strength. The Spirit is his guide and comforter, his assistant in Christian living and service, his power for active Christian work. Hence he must consciously recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit, fully obey His guidance and leadership, and utterly depend upon Him for success in Christian life and service.
5. Are there measures of discipline to be observed in this life of holiness?
There are. In the sanctified life the spiritual nature has the dominion over the mental and physical natures, to fail to keep this relationship through careful discipline will be fatal to the spiritual life of the individual, hence he must follow Paul's example and keep the body under, bringing it into subjection (I Cor. 9:27); he must use discipline to abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thess. 5:22) and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
6. Will the sanctified child of God experience times of heaviness of spirit and pass through periods of chastening?
He will. For the strengthening of his faith he will have sore trials which may bring heaviness (I Peter 1:6, 7). Also for the refining of his nature there may be periods of suffering (I Peter 4:12, 13; 5:10). For his profit he may pass under the chastening rod (Heb. 12:5-11). In all these experiences the sanctified child will not faint, nor charge God foolishly, and through it all he may be victorious.
7. What means should the sanctified child of God employ for the nurturing of his spiritual life?
He will read and study the Bible, the Word of God, as the food for his soul; prayer will be his vital spiritual breath, and his continuous desire will be the cultivation of fellowship with God and His people. He will delight to attend services of worship and other means of grace. He will engage in active Christian service, will witness for Christ and seek to bring the lost to Him.
8. What will be the relationship of the sanctified child of God to other members of the body of Christ, or his fellow Christians?
He will endeavor to keep "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). He will lend himself to the "fellowship of the Spirit" (Phil. 2:1) as his continual privilege as a member of "the body of Christ." He will as much as lieth in him live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). He will have brotherly concern and vital interest in those who are weak (Gal. 6:1, 2). He will conduct his life so as to give no occasion for stumbling (I John 2:10).
9. What should be his attitude concerning his influence upon others?
He should be "an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (I Timothy 4:12). Also he should be concerned with living in such a vital relationship to the Holy Spirit that the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22, 23) may be manifested in abundance.
HOLY LIVING
1. Is the sanctified child of God equipped to live a life of holiness in this wicked world?
The experience of entire sanctification is God's provision by which His children may through His grace "live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:12).
2. What is the secret of living such a life of holiness?
The secret of the life of holiness is that the sanctified child of God fully depends upon the Holy Spirit and His fullness within his heart to keep him pure and clean in this sinful world. He realizes that all purity or holiness he possesses is because he has through consecration and faith brought himself into such a relationship with Christ where He entirely sanctifies him and it is only as this relationship is maintained that he as God's child can live a life of holiness.
3. Should the sanctified child of God be concerned mainly with his own endeavors to keep himself pure?
No. He should be very careful to walk in the light of obedience to the Holy Spirit, as a result of thus walking in the light he will have fellowship with God, and through having fellowship with God the blood of Jesus Christ keeps him clean (John 1:7). Obedience and fellowship are the necessary elements of continued purity.
4. What attitude should the sanctified individual have toward the Holy Spirit?
He must realize that the Holy Spirit is his very life and strength. The Spirit is his guide and comforter, his assistant in Christian living and service, his power for active Christian work. Hence he must consciously recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit, fully obey His guidance and leadership, and utterly depend upon Him for success in Christian life and service.
5. Are there measures of discipline to be observed in this life of holiness?
There are. In the sanctified life the spiritual nature has the dominion over the mental and physical natures, to fail to keep this relationship through careful discipline will be fatal to the spiritual life of the individual, hence he must follow Paul's example and keep the body under, bringing it into subjection (I Cor. 9:27); he must use discipline to abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thess. 5:22) and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
6. Will the sanctified child of God experience times of heaviness of spirit and pass through periods of chastening?
He will. For the strengthening of his faith he will have sore trials which may bring heaviness (I Peter 1:6, 7). Also for the refining of his nature there may be periods of suffering (I Peter 4:12, 13; 5:10). For his profit he may pass under the chastening rod (Heb. 12:5-11). In all these experiences the sanctified child will not faint, nor charge God foolishly, and through it all he may be victorious.
7. What means should the sanctified child of God employ for the nurturing of his spiritual life?
He will read and study the Bible, the Word of God, as the food for his soul; prayer will be his vital spiritual breath, and his continuous desire will be the cultivation of fellowship with God and His people. He will delight to attend services of worship and other means of grace. He will engage in active Christian service, will witness for Christ and seek to bring the lost to Him.
8. What will be the relationship of the sanctified child of God to other members of the body of Christ, or his fellow Christians?
He will endeavor to keep "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). He will lend himself to the "fellowship of the Spirit" (Phil. 2:1) as his continual privilege as a member of "the body of Christ." He will as much as lieth in him live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). He will have brotherly concern and vital interest in those who are weak (Gal. 6:1, 2). He will conduct his life so as to give no occasion for stumbling (I John 2:10).
9. What should be his attitude concerning his influence upon others?
He should be "an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (I Timothy 4:12). Also he should be concerned with living in such a vital relationship to the Holy Spirit that the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22, 23) may be manifested in abundance.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
6th Bible Study: Dead to Sin
Today's lesson comes from Romans 6: 1-14; 22,23. Romans chapter six begins with Paul answering the question of individuals continuing to commit sin after they have turned their lives over to Christ. After his denial in verse two of "sinning" religion, he presents his argument. Those who have been baptized "unto" Christ have affirmed that they are dead to sin, no longer under its dominion. The first section of the lesson is a strong argument against antinomianism (against the Christian being under any law). In the second section, Paul lays down the fact that Christ's death provides deliverance from inbred sin. The last section deals with living the sanctified life, a life fully yielded to God. After sanctification, the individual must maintain his consecration in daily choices and living.
In this chapter, Paul deals with the question, "After being justified by faith, is the purification and perfection of the Christian life accomplished by works?" Paul will argue and prove that holiness is not by self-assertion or works, but by death, resurrection, and fruit bearing. Chapter seven reveals what the law can and cannot do about man's need. It can make a person miserable, but the law cannot deliver from sin. Chapter eight shows us the normal Christian life of holiness in the Spirit. These lessons are central to those of us who call themselves holiness Christians.
The first section is "Dead to Sin." vv. 1-5 The sixth chapter begins with Paul asking the question shall we continue under the power of the sin nature so that God's grace may abound. His answer is, "God forbid." There can be no real salvation without an end to sinning. We are enabled to live above sin because the sin nature, i.e. the old man, carnality, is destroyed in entire sanctification. We have died to sin and this means the sin principle. To be dead to something is to have nothing to do with it. Verses three and four state that we are "baptized into Jesus Christ." To be "baptized unto Christ" means to turn from sin, and dedication to live in conformity to the example of Christ. Water baptism signifies that we belong to God.
The Christian's old life "in Adam" has been put to death and buried. God has raised the believer to a new life "in Christ." We are no longer a "natural man," but we have become a "spiritual man." We are saved and sanctified so that we can walk "in the newness of life." God's power to deliver and keep from all sin is manifested in the life of the believer. This is not reserved for eternal life in heaven, but also includes the power to rise from being dead in sin, to live a new life free from sin. He who is dead to sin is as separate from it as a dead man is to the world. John Wesley said: "Justification implies what God does for us through His Son; sanctification, what He works in us by His Spirit."
The second section is "Delivered From Sin." vv. 6-11 The sixth verse tells us that the old man is crucified. Not that he is going to be, but that he is crucified. The sanctified believer has had his or her old man put to death. Some contend that the old man is just suppressed, that is, kept under. That is not holiness doctrine. Our teaching is that the carnal nature is destroyed by the blood of Jesus when the proper conditions have been met: entire consecration (complete surrender) and faith. To be "freed from sin" means to be set at liberty, released, and no longer tyrannized by the spirit of revolt. The carnal mind fights with God, but the sanctified believer no longer has a mind that is in rebellion to God.
The word "dead" in verses seven and eight is not referring to physical death, but to a total abandonment to God, which results in the destruction of the old sinful nature. It is through the death of Jesus Christ that we are delivered from. all sin. We die to sin to live with Christ. Holiness is not just a negative, i.e. the removal of the sin nature. It also contains a positive, i.e. the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We are to be united to Christ both in His separation from sin and in His active devotion to God. We are to lay on the altar all that we are, our past, present and future (called the unknown bundle), our complete life goes all to Him. Then, we exercise faith. The faith which obtains this second work of grace is a total reliance upon the word and power of God. We are by faith to consider the work of sanctification complete only when we have entirely consecrated our selves to God.
The third section is "Servants of God." vv. 14-23 Sin is not to have dominion over the sanctified believer and we are to become servants to God. The key to maintaining spiritual victory is in the exercise of the will. Our bodies are neither good or evil, moral or immoral. But we must not allow the physical to dominate our life, and force it into channels which will bring us defeat. The desires of the flesh must not be our master. The righteous man does not allow his body be a slave of sin.
We are to "yield ourselves unto God," and our "members as instruments of righteousness." The consecration we made to get sanctified is the same consecration that must be continued and affirmed by our daily choices. Sanctification must be worked out in everyday life, or lost. The person that refuses to seek cleansing from inbred sin (carnality, old man), will become a slave to sin. In the end, that soul will receive its just wages--death. The cleansed soul receives the free "gift of God"--eternal life which is enjoyed now, in this present life. It must be holiness or hell.
Justification (initial sanctification) is deliverance from reigning sin; entire sanctification is deliverance from remaining inbred sin. Both are required to enter a holy heaven.
The Golden Text is: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." (Galatians 2:20) "This is one of the great holiness texts of the New Testament. The Greek literally says this: 'I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer do live, but Christ lives in me.' That is, Christ has taken the place of the carnal ego on the throne of my heart. That is the very essence of entire sanctification." (Ralph Earle) Self crucified and Christ crowned is the heart of holiness. The sanctified life is the crucified life. That is the way of holiness.
My summary points:
1. Being dead to sin is to no longer live under the sin nature (carnality, old man).
2. Crucifixion is not suppression, it is freedom from the sin nature.
3. Sanctification must be worked out in everyday life, or lost.
The lesson next week is "Who Walk After the Spirit." Romans 8: 1-14
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
In this chapter, Paul deals with the question, "After being justified by faith, is the purification and perfection of the Christian life accomplished by works?" Paul will argue and prove that holiness is not by self-assertion or works, but by death, resurrection, and fruit bearing. Chapter seven reveals what the law can and cannot do about man's need. It can make a person miserable, but the law cannot deliver from sin. Chapter eight shows us the normal Christian life of holiness in the Spirit. These lessons are central to those of us who call themselves holiness Christians.
The first section is "Dead to Sin." vv. 1-5 The sixth chapter begins with Paul asking the question shall we continue under the power of the sin nature so that God's grace may abound. His answer is, "God forbid." There can be no real salvation without an end to sinning. We are enabled to live above sin because the sin nature, i.e. the old man, carnality, is destroyed in entire sanctification. We have died to sin and this means the sin principle. To be dead to something is to have nothing to do with it. Verses three and four state that we are "baptized into Jesus Christ." To be "baptized unto Christ" means to turn from sin, and dedication to live in conformity to the example of Christ. Water baptism signifies that we belong to God.
The Christian's old life "in Adam" has been put to death and buried. God has raised the believer to a new life "in Christ." We are no longer a "natural man," but we have become a "spiritual man." We are saved and sanctified so that we can walk "in the newness of life." God's power to deliver and keep from all sin is manifested in the life of the believer. This is not reserved for eternal life in heaven, but also includes the power to rise from being dead in sin, to live a new life free from sin. He who is dead to sin is as separate from it as a dead man is to the world. John Wesley said: "Justification implies what God does for us through His Son; sanctification, what He works in us by His Spirit."
The second section is "Delivered From Sin." vv. 6-11 The sixth verse tells us that the old man is crucified. Not that he is going to be, but that he is crucified. The sanctified believer has had his or her old man put to death. Some contend that the old man is just suppressed, that is, kept under. That is not holiness doctrine. Our teaching is that the carnal nature is destroyed by the blood of Jesus when the proper conditions have been met: entire consecration (complete surrender) and faith. To be "freed from sin" means to be set at liberty, released, and no longer tyrannized by the spirit of revolt. The carnal mind fights with God, but the sanctified believer no longer has a mind that is in rebellion to God.
The word "dead" in verses seven and eight is not referring to physical death, but to a total abandonment to God, which results in the destruction of the old sinful nature. It is through the death of Jesus Christ that we are delivered from. all sin. We die to sin to live with Christ. Holiness is not just a negative, i.e. the removal of the sin nature. It also contains a positive, i.e. the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We are to be united to Christ both in His separation from sin and in His active devotion to God. We are to lay on the altar all that we are, our past, present and future (called the unknown bundle), our complete life goes all to Him. Then, we exercise faith. The faith which obtains this second work of grace is a total reliance upon the word and power of God. We are by faith to consider the work of sanctification complete only when we have entirely consecrated our selves to God.
The third section is "Servants of God." vv. 14-23 Sin is not to have dominion over the sanctified believer and we are to become servants to God. The key to maintaining spiritual victory is in the exercise of the will. Our bodies are neither good or evil, moral or immoral. But we must not allow the physical to dominate our life, and force it into channels which will bring us defeat. The desires of the flesh must not be our master. The righteous man does not allow his body be a slave of sin.
We are to "yield ourselves unto God," and our "members as instruments of righteousness." The consecration we made to get sanctified is the same consecration that must be continued and affirmed by our daily choices. Sanctification must be worked out in everyday life, or lost. The person that refuses to seek cleansing from inbred sin (carnality, old man), will become a slave to sin. In the end, that soul will receive its just wages--death. The cleansed soul receives the free "gift of God"--eternal life which is enjoyed now, in this present life. It must be holiness or hell.
Justification (initial sanctification) is deliverance from reigning sin; entire sanctification is deliverance from remaining inbred sin. Both are required to enter a holy heaven.
The Golden Text is: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." (Galatians 2:20) "This is one of the great holiness texts of the New Testament. The Greek literally says this: 'I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer do live, but Christ lives in me.' That is, Christ has taken the place of the carnal ego on the throne of my heart. That is the very essence of entire sanctification." (Ralph Earle) Self crucified and Christ crowned is the heart of holiness. The sanctified life is the crucified life. That is the way of holiness.
My summary points:
1. Being dead to sin is to no longer live under the sin nature (carnality, old man).
2. Crucifixion is not suppression, it is freedom from the sin nature.
3. Sanctification must be worked out in everyday life, or lost.
The lesson next week is "Who Walk After the Spirit." Romans 8: 1-14
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
What is Entire Sanctification? Part 2
BLJ: Today, we continue asking the question, "What is Entire Sanctification?" These specific answers will assist you to defend the doctrine to others, if God has you testify on the subject.
8. In what sense is this sinful nature or "old man" destroyed?
In a very real sense. As light dispels darkness, as harmony abolishes discord, as a new principle of life destroys an old life principle -- "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2) -- as a higher affection supplants a lower affection, as the enactment of a new law makes void or destroys an old law, as order replaces disorder, so the "body of sin is destroyed" (Romans 6:6) by the fullness of the Holy Spirit within our hearts.
9. Is there any provision for the suppression of this old nature of sin so that the child of God is assured of continuous victory without being entirely sanctified or cleansed?
There is only one provision made for this sinful nature, that is cleansing. There is not one suggestion given in the Scriptures that would permit a child of God to retain this sinful nature within and still be a victorious Christian. Note the terms of complete deliverance used in the Scriptures: "The old man is crucified" ... "The body of sin might be destroyed" (Romans 6:6); "put off the old man" (Eph. 4:22); "Made free from the law of sin" (Romans 8:3); "purge out the old leaven" (I Cor. 5:7); "cleanseth from all sin" (John 1:7); "purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). There is no hint whatsoever of suppression, but emphatic statements of removal or destruction.
10. What then is the inner condition of the sanctified child of God?
He is pure in heart through the merits of the blood of Jesus, his nature is brought into full conformity to the nature and will of God, his formerly disordered soul is brought into a state of soul health or holiness, he is wholly the Lord's because he has made a full heart dedication to Him, he is holy in heart because of the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Because his inner nature is harmonized with God and His will he has found the one true life center around which he may organize a satisfying and happy life.
11. In what sense may this experience be called perfect?
It is perfect because the sanctified child is brought into a perfect harmonious relationship with God through the cleansing of his heart from all sin. It is perfect, for all inward hindrances to love are removed so that the sanctified individual can love God perfectly without the presence of tormenting fear. It is perfect because he is delivered from the inner conflict between the flesh and Spirit by the indwelling fullness of the Holy Spirit and he is conscious of a state of inner or perfect peace, and by obedience to the Spirit this spiritual union and peace is maintained. In no sense is this physical perfection, mental perfection, perfection where one is free from mistakes, or perfection to where one cannot sin. It is the perfect harmonizing of the inner life of the Christian with the nature of God. But since this treasure is possessed in "earthen vessels" (II Cor. 4:7) the individual may not give perfect expression to this inner grace.
12. Does this experience of entire sanctification place one where he may not fall or backslide or where he may not be tempted?
It does not. As long as one lives in this world he will be subject to temptation. But temptation is not sin, rather it is the solicitation or enticement to sin. Jesus was tempted but sinless. As long as one may be tempted he is liable to fall or backslide. Entire sanctification does not remove the possibility of backsliding. It does, however, bring one to a place of establishment in holiness where the possibilities to backsliding are greatly reduced. It should be a very rare exception for one to backslide who has been genuinely sanctified.
13. Is this experience of entire sanctification an instantaneous experience, or is it to be reached through a process of development?
The experience itself is an instantaneous experience. It is obtained by faith, and anything so obtained is done the moment the person believes. The approach to the experience may be gradual in that the child of God walks in the light and thus brings himself up to the place of seeking this experience; also he may gradually approach it through a carefully planned consecration; but the crisis will be instantaneous when faith in the blood of Jesus brings complete cleansing from all sin.
14. Does it mean that one has reached the limit of Christian growth because he is entirely sanctified?
By no means. Through entire sanctification he has had the inner sin problem fully settled. He is then in a position to make more rapid progress in the Christian life, because that sinful nature which hindered Christian development and which kept some in the state of perpetual spiritual babyhood is cleansed from his heart. Purity of heart, or entire sanctification is not maturity of Christian growth.
8. In what sense is this sinful nature or "old man" destroyed?
In a very real sense. As light dispels darkness, as harmony abolishes discord, as a new principle of life destroys an old life principle -- "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2) -- as a higher affection supplants a lower affection, as the enactment of a new law makes void or destroys an old law, as order replaces disorder, so the "body of sin is destroyed" (Romans 6:6) by the fullness of the Holy Spirit within our hearts.
9. Is there any provision for the suppression of this old nature of sin so that the child of God is assured of continuous victory without being entirely sanctified or cleansed?
There is only one provision made for this sinful nature, that is cleansing. There is not one suggestion given in the Scriptures that would permit a child of God to retain this sinful nature within and still be a victorious Christian. Note the terms of complete deliverance used in the Scriptures: "The old man is crucified" ... "The body of sin might be destroyed" (Romans 6:6); "put off the old man" (Eph. 4:22); "Made free from the law of sin" (Romans 8:3); "purge out the old leaven" (I Cor. 5:7); "cleanseth from all sin" (John 1:7); "purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). There is no hint whatsoever of suppression, but emphatic statements of removal or destruction.
10. What then is the inner condition of the sanctified child of God?
He is pure in heart through the merits of the blood of Jesus, his nature is brought into full conformity to the nature and will of God, his formerly disordered soul is brought into a state of soul health or holiness, he is wholly the Lord's because he has made a full heart dedication to Him, he is holy in heart because of the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Because his inner nature is harmonized with God and His will he has found the one true life center around which he may organize a satisfying and happy life.
11. In what sense may this experience be called perfect?
It is perfect because the sanctified child is brought into a perfect harmonious relationship with God through the cleansing of his heart from all sin. It is perfect, for all inward hindrances to love are removed so that the sanctified individual can love God perfectly without the presence of tormenting fear. It is perfect because he is delivered from the inner conflict between the flesh and Spirit by the indwelling fullness of the Holy Spirit and he is conscious of a state of inner or perfect peace, and by obedience to the Spirit this spiritual union and peace is maintained. In no sense is this physical perfection, mental perfection, perfection where one is free from mistakes, or perfection to where one cannot sin. It is the perfect harmonizing of the inner life of the Christian with the nature of God. But since this treasure is possessed in "earthen vessels" (II Cor. 4:7) the individual may not give perfect expression to this inner grace.
12. Does this experience of entire sanctification place one where he may not fall or backslide or where he may not be tempted?
It does not. As long as one lives in this world he will be subject to temptation. But temptation is not sin, rather it is the solicitation or enticement to sin. Jesus was tempted but sinless. As long as one may be tempted he is liable to fall or backslide. Entire sanctification does not remove the possibility of backsliding. It does, however, bring one to a place of establishment in holiness where the possibilities to backsliding are greatly reduced. It should be a very rare exception for one to backslide who has been genuinely sanctified.
13. Is this experience of entire sanctification an instantaneous experience, or is it to be reached through a process of development?
The experience itself is an instantaneous experience. It is obtained by faith, and anything so obtained is done the moment the person believes. The approach to the experience may be gradual in that the child of God walks in the light and thus brings himself up to the place of seeking this experience; also he may gradually approach it through a carefully planned consecration; but the crisis will be instantaneous when faith in the blood of Jesus brings complete cleansing from all sin.
14. Does it mean that one has reached the limit of Christian growth because he is entirely sanctified?
By no means. Through entire sanctification he has had the inner sin problem fully settled. He is then in a position to make more rapid progress in the Christian life, because that sinful nature which hindered Christian development and which kept some in the state of perpetual spiritual babyhood is cleansed from his heart. Purity of heart, or entire sanctification is not maturity of Christian growth.
Friday, May 8, 2020
What is Entire Sanctification? Part 1
BLJ: As a holiness preacher/evangelist, I have urged many to seek entire sanctification? What exactly did I mean by that term? Today and tomorrow we answer the question, "What is Entire Sanctification?"
1. What is entire sanctification?
Entire sanctification is that work of grace by which God cleanses the born again individual or child of God from the sinful nature which remains in his heart after the new birth.
2. Are there other terms used in the Scriptures for this experience?
There are. It is called the baptism with the Holy Spirit, crucifixion of the flesh, perfect love, heart purity, cleansing from all sin, perfection of holiness.
3. By what means is this experience of entire sanctification provided?
It is provided through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, through His blood. "Wherefore Jesus also that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12). "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb. 10:10).
4. By what means is this experience wrought in the heart of the child of God?
Through the work of the Holy Spirit. "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:16). "Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (II Thess. 2:13).
5. Are we to believe that entire sanctification and the baptism with the Holy Spirit are different experiences?
No. They are one and the same experience. Entire sanctification emphasizes the negative or cleansing phase of the experience, while the baptism with the Holy Spirit emphasizes the positive or empowering phase. The disciples testified to being cleansed from all sin or made pure in heart through the baptism with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 15:8, 9)
6. In this work of entire sanctification is the sinful nature brought into more perfect control or is it entirely removed from the heart of the Christian?
It is entirely removed from the heart of the Christian. Because this sinful nature is enmity against God, is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be (Romans 8:7), it cannot be incorporated into the Christian life, it cannot be harmonized with the nature of God, nor can it be brought under perfect control. The only remedy is removal or deliverance. Hence, "the blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
7. In the work of entire sanctification is "the old man" merely set aside, or completely "put off"?
The "old man" is completely "put off" (Eph. 4:22) and in this act of "putting off the old man" the "new man" is completely "put on"; so that the new man with its affections and purposes fully occupies the heart and nature of the believer. The "new man" is the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
1. What is entire sanctification?
Entire sanctification is that work of grace by which God cleanses the born again individual or child of God from the sinful nature which remains in his heart after the new birth.
2. Are there other terms used in the Scriptures for this experience?
There are. It is called the baptism with the Holy Spirit, crucifixion of the flesh, perfect love, heart purity, cleansing from all sin, perfection of holiness.
3. By what means is this experience of entire sanctification provided?
It is provided through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, through His blood. "Wherefore Jesus also that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12). "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb. 10:10).
4. By what means is this experience wrought in the heart of the child of God?
Through the work of the Holy Spirit. "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:16). "Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (II Thess. 2:13).
5. Are we to believe that entire sanctification and the baptism with the Holy Spirit are different experiences?
No. They are one and the same experience. Entire sanctification emphasizes the negative or cleansing phase of the experience, while the baptism with the Holy Spirit emphasizes the positive or empowering phase. The disciples testified to being cleansed from all sin or made pure in heart through the baptism with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 15:8, 9)
6. In this work of entire sanctification is the sinful nature brought into more perfect control or is it entirely removed from the heart of the Christian?
It is entirely removed from the heart of the Christian. Because this sinful nature is enmity against God, is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be (Romans 8:7), it cannot be incorporated into the Christian life, it cannot be harmonized with the nature of God, nor can it be brought under perfect control. The only remedy is removal or deliverance. Hence, "the blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
7. In the work of entire sanctification is "the old man" merely set aside, or completely "put off"?
The "old man" is completely "put off" (Eph. 4:22) and in this act of "putting off the old man" the "new man" is completely "put on"; so that the new man with its affections and purposes fully occupies the heart and nature of the believer. The "new man" is the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)