Articles of Faith What Nazarenes Believe Session 6

Article of Faith 10: Sanctification

What do these terms mean to you? Perfection Holy Second Work of Grace Sanctification Baptism with the Holy Spirit Spirit-filled Holiness Perfect Love Heart Purity Fullness of the Blessing Consecration

Article 10: Sanctification We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect. It is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for life and service. Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness. This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phases, such as "Christian perfection," "perfect love," "heart purity," "the baptism with the Holy Spirit," "the fullness of the blessing," and "Christian holiness." We believe that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart and a mature character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result of entire sanctification; the latter is the result of growth in grace. We believe that the grace of entire sanctification includes the impulse to grow in grace. However, this impulse must be consciously nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites and processes of spiritual development and improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality. Without such purposeful endeavor one’s witness may be impaired and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “sanctify” or “sanctification”? Do you think it is possible for someone to be “kept blameless”? Why, or why not? Matthew 5:8 What does it mean to have a pure heart? How do we get a pure heart? Does a pure heart mean that we are sinless or perfect? Romans 12:1-2 What is a “living sacrifice”? How can we offer our bodies to God as “holy and pleasing”? What does it mean to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Matthew 5:8 What does it mean to have a pure heart? What is the difference between having a pure heart and being totally perfect? 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 What does it mean to be sanctified? How does a person become sanctified? Romans 12:1-2 What does it mean to be transformed and blameless before God? What happens when a person becomes transformed by the Holy Spirit?

Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love; Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee. Swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only, for my King; Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee. Filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold: Not a mite would I withhold; Take my intellect, and use Ev'ry pow'r as Thou shalt choose. Ev'ry pow'r as Thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it Thine, It shall be no longer mine; Take my heart, it is Thine own, It shall be Thy royal throne. It shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure store; Take myself, and I will be, Ever, only, all for Thee. Ever, only, all for Thee. Take My Life, Let It Be Consecrated. (Sing to the Lord, No. 455 )