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A Study in Sanctification by Anonymous Table of Contents Foreword 1 Foreword"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" -- II Timothy 2:15. Sanctification is the most misunderstood and opposed doctrine in the Bible. John Wesley was fiercely opposed; and in fury and opposition against this truth, men were dragged through the streets. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer . . ." -- Proverbs 15:28. This is a study combining Old Testament and New Testament references and is not intended, in any sense of the word, for debate or controversy. It has been prayerfully searched out and compiled for the benefit of obtaining maturity for the saved (born-again, fully justified) believer -- the one who seeks to go deeper in Christian experience through the study of the Word of God. A hungry soul is not satisfied at any level of God's educational system until he reaches the ultimate in Christ Jesus. The child of God begins, and is sustained, on the sincere milk of the Word. As the natural body needs food to grow, so it is with the spiritual body that it may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility" -- Proverbs 15:33. Concerning spiritual truths, many resent being told anything different than their own formed opinion, but Jesus tells us: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" -- Matthew 11:29. Jesus humbled Himself, even to death on the cross, and willingly submitted Himself to utmost humiliation in order to provide an atonement for mankind. Come and learn of Him, and before you begin this book, pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten your understanding concerning the doctrine of Sanctification and the great work it will do in the soul of the believer who seeks for it earnestly and is willing to meet every condition that God requires. It is not only a "need," but a "must" for the Christian in this present life. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" -- I Thessalonians 4:3. "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 3:16. It will be necessary to use your Bible (King James Version) as you study. No portion of Scripture is isolated to any private interpretation. We pray earnestly that God will bless this truth to the good of all who read and apply it to their lives for His glory. * * * * * * * Chapter 1. A Study in SanctificationSanctification is a definite work in the heart of one who has been born again. This spiritual birth is called Justification and is likened to the birth of a child. Every child is born in sin. "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" -- Psalm 51:5. When one is born again, or justified, he is pardoned and set free from committed sins. Then he may partake freely of the living water. When Israel suffered for want of thirst, Moses struck the rock and brought forth water -- Living Water. The rock typified Christ; the Water, living water -- Life giving water. Without it we die in our SIN. Jesus told the woman at the well that if she would drink of the water that He would give her, she would never thirst again! One drink of this water will forever slake the bitter, burning thirst for the things of this world. Sanctification follows this experience of pardon and is cleansing from the sin principle. It removes the old Adamic nature we are born with. This takes out the root and branch of the old nature, leaving nothing to spring back and grow. When Eve took of the fruit and gave to Adam, her mate, the human race was plunged into sin. Before this, man was perfect and the Garden of Eden was a perfect place without mar or the curse of sin. God came down in the cool of the day to walk and talk with Adam. Sin separated man from fellowship with God. David, of whom Christ was the root and offspring, cried out many centuries later: "Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" -- Psalm 51:2. Although the natural line was through David, God was Jesus' Father and He was without the stain of original sin. Chapter 2. We Can Walk as Jesus WalkedMany will say, "You believe in human perfection." The Bible teaches Christian Perfection, not human perfection. Adam was perfect and sinless -- yet he exercised his free will and fell into sin. Man possesses the same free will today. Every day is made up of choices whereby we may choose the will of God or our own will. Even after Sanctification, we choose to obey or disobey. Perfect, sinless Adam exercised his will and sinned. The sinless, sanctified one is still free to choose. He remains sinless through obedience. Christ came in the flesh and proved to all that we can walk on this earth as He walked. ". . . as He is, so are we in this world" -- I John 4:17. Let us look deeper into the Word, so that we may reconcile the coming of Christ "in the flesh" with the command that we must have a perfect walk here in this world. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." -- John 1:14. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world . . ."--Titus 2:11, 12. Sinful man could never redeem himself, for he had a corrupt nature -- a stained sacrifice. But Christ was the perfect sacrifice, without spot or blemish. Because He overcame (in the flesh just as we are), we can overcome through perfect obedience. Sanctification is not a choice, but a command of God. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" -- Matthew 5:48. This is a portion of the sermon on the mount. God does not give commandments that cannot be kept! He commanded Adam and Eve not to take of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He could have put a wall around it with flaming swords to guard it. He did this later, after the transgression, to keep the way of the tree of life. But God had made them in His own image and given them a free choice. They were not to take of the fruit (a mandate), and they were to keep this commandment if they were to remain in the divine image of righteousness and holiness, as God had intended His creation to be. God wanted obedience then and He has not changed. God still wants obedience. ". . . Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" -- Matthew 22:37. It is a choice of the will which we express through obedience. God is calling His people to holiness. There is a need to be anchored to Christ stronger than ever before. We are not only responsible for ourselves, but for others, also. In these times, more than ever before, Christians need to be at war against the enemy. Satan is going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The child of God must prepare himself for battle; put on the whole armour of God, taking the sword of the Spirit which is the Word. The only ones who will be able to endure are those with clean lives. "The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger." -- Job 17:9. It is a straight path. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, came as a voice crying in the wilderness: ". . . Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" -- Matthew 3:3. Sanctification -- the way of holiness and perfection -- is a straight path and hardly any want to attain unto it. Many will try to perfect their attainments by reaching the top in business. They will spend their life and strength to excel in material gain. honor or fame. But how many are willing to spend their all to attain Christian Perfection? The Christian does not strive to get ahead of others. Rather, he strives to walk in that straight path that leads more and more unto the perfect day. It may seem they are doing all; and if you should ask, they might answer, "Yes, I believe in holiness and Christian Perfection." They may quote all of the verses pertaining to the question. They are, however, too "busy" to get to the depth of the study of the Word. Yet, if you should ask them pointedly if they have the experience, they would be a little too annoyed with you to answer. They believe it, but have never diligently sought for the possession, nor sold all to buy the Pearl of greatest price. Oh! that God would inspire us to live perfect! The parable of the ten virgins warns us of the awesome fate of those who are guilty of the sin of neglect. There were ten who awaited the coming of the Bridegroom. The word "virgin" means "an unmarried woman." Five were wise, for they had kept their integrity and their lamps were burning. Their robes were without spot or blemish. The other five were foolish, for their lamps had gone out. They were backslidden. The five wise virgins who had kept their garments went into the marriage, but the five foolish ones were left behind. Here is proof that they were not sanctified: "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" -- Hebrews 2:11. This parable is a picture of the professing church which, in outward form, is serving God, but is not watching for His coming. The members sleep the sleep of death, for their lamps are gone out and they are lost. They are transgressors, and except they arise and prepare their garments, they will be cast into outer darkness forever. * * * * * * * Chapter 3. Types and Shadows of the LawSanctification Before The LawThe Covenant of Circumcision was a type of Sanctification before the Law. God said to Abraham: ". . . walk before me, and be thou perfect" -- Genesis 17:1. God told Abraham that He would establish a covenant with him. "This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised" -- Genesis 17:10. God's covenant with Abraham concerning circumcision was instituted at this time. Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Circumcision was for the purpose of cleanliness. Sanctification is cleansing of the heart. The Jewish child was circumcised on the eighth day. There should be no delay after the "new birth" before one seeks Sanctification. Do not be deluded by the enemy to stop after Salvation. The new convert should not pause to celebrate, but undergird himself with prayer and seek the experience of Sanctification. "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised : that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also" -- Romans 4:11. "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God" -- Romans 2:28-29. Related Scripture: Romans, Chapters 2, 4. Colossians 2:11. Sanctification Under The LawThrough obedience to the Law, people were saved and sanctified in Old Testament times. The Law was given as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. It is our schoolmaster today (Galatians 3:24). Although the offering of bulls and goats could not save, nor make those who brought them perfect, yet by obedience to the Law and looking forward to Christ's sacrificial death, they received these experiences. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God" -- Hebrews 7:19. This answers the question of why we should study the Levitical Law. It is the type or shadow of things to come. It is our schoolmaster. In Leviticus, chapter 4:1-12, we read of the sin offering typifying Sanctification. "And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary" -- Leviticus 4:6. Seven is a perfect number signifying completion -- all SIN removed. "Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt" -- Leviticus 4:12. In Hebrews we read that Jesus fulfilled. the sin offering when He was crucified outside Jerusalem on Mount Calvary. He was also buried in a new tomb where no man had been laid. This fulfilled the type of the ashes that were poured out and the bullock burned in a clean place. "For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" -- Hebrews 13:11-13. In the Tabernacle worship, the priests made careful preparation for service in the Tabernacle. They set themselves apart and were dedicated to this service. "And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them" -- Exodus 19:22. It is a fearful thing to deny the sanctifying power of the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:28, 29). "And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord" -- Exodus 28:36-38. We are called unto a high and holy priesthood, Our qualifications for that calling are just as exacting as were those of the priests who served in the Tabernacle. "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" -- I Peter 2:5. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" -- 1 Peter 2:9. The Water LaverThe laver was placed in the Outer Court, before the entrance to the Holy Place. The Holy Place portrays the beautiful state of the sanctified soul. The golden candlestick with its six branches and a central shaft in the center are the sanctified believers in the glory and light of Christ, who is in their midst. "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the SON of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" -- Revelation 1:13. The table of shewbread is there which speaks of the Bread of Life on which our souls feed. As we partake of His broken body and shed blood, we discern the Lord's death till He comes. Before the beautiful vail was the altar of incense where sweet spices with frankincense was offered up before the Lord. The composition of that incense was used for that purpose alone (Exodus 30:37). It is the incense of praise offered up from sanctified hearts continually, in a communion unknown to any other but the soul and God. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" ... And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly . . ." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23. It was at the water laver that the priests washed their hands and feet before entering into the holy places to minister. The blood had been shed upon the brazen altar (pardon). They must wash with water before entering unto the altar of incense (Sanctification). Pardon and cleansing are the qualifications for entering into Heaven (Psalm 24:3,4). What does this have to do with us today? Everything! "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water" -- John 19:34. This is for our Justification and Sanctification. The blood was for pardon and the water was for cleansing. The Spirit is bearing witness of this truth of pardon and cleansing. "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth" -- 1 John 5:6. The Trinity is bearing witness also of this truth. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one" -- 1 John 5:7. "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one" -- 1 John 5:8. Here is the Spirit bearing witness on earth that the blood is for pardon and the water is for cleansing. * * * * * * * Chapter 4. How to Obtain SanctificationHow to Obtain SanctificationIn seeking and obtaining Sanctification, consecration is necessary. Sanctification has a two-fold meaning. First, it is referred to in many places in the Bible as "set apart." It is the devotion of our life and service to God. We are in the world, but not of the world. Consecration means to set apart for a sacred office. We are not our own for we are bought with a price. The Bible in Deuteronomy, chapter 15, tells us that a slave was bought and then served his master six years, but in the seventh year God ordained that he must be set free. "And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant forever" -- Deuteronomy 15:16,17. He is now a servant forever, but a willing, loving servant and not a bond servant. Pray that God will give you a picture of this in seeking Sanctification that you may see the beauty of holiness. The Hebrew children were serving under a hard taskmaster. Then they were delivered out and bought as servants, When we are saved, we are delivered from the taskmaster, Satan, and bought by Christ to serve God. We serve God then, but there comes a time when we are sanctified that we are dedicated and consecrated to a loving, willing service. Songwriters call it a land of perfect Love that casts out fear. The rich, young ruler came to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him of the commandments that he must keep. All of these he had kept from his youth. Jesus looked on him and loved him. Now comes the part that most people cannot stand: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" -- Matthew 5:48. The contention is: "Do you think you can be perfect?" Jesus said to the ruler after he had told Him that he had kept the commandments:" ...If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" -- Matthew 19:21. He went away sorrowful for he had great possessions. This is the price that we face after we are walking in the light of Justification: God reveals the secret or inward parts. How much do people want purity and holiness today? The price looks too great, even though they have confessed their sins and made things right. The other phase of Sanctification is a cleansing and purging. David said: ". . . blot out my transgressions" -- Psalm 51:1. He speaks of iniquities and sins (plural), but his sin (singular) was ever before him, and in sin did his mother conceive him. He said: "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts . . ." Psalm 51:6. So there must be a purging and washing. After God has redeemed one, he oftentimes starts wandering in the wilderness as the children of Israel did. However, God wants us to go quickly into Canaan Land and not fall into murmuring and complaining, or coveting after positions or honor as they did with Moses. They were led by a cloud by day and fire by night. When they reached the border of Canaan, the place was called Kadesh, which means "called to holiness." Later on, we see Barnea, which means "turned back," is added to Kadesh. How many today when they are saved will not go on to Sanctification? It is the light we must walk in when God sheds it across our path. When the children of Israel saw the high-walled cities and the inhabitants, they were fearful. God told them to drive out the inhabitants of the land or they would be pricks in their eyes and thorns in their sides and would vex them continually. So many Christians today are vexed with things that mar their Christ-like walk. This brings condemnation, robs them of their faith, and destroys their prayer life. The self-life must be destroyed. Ask God to show you "self" in your life. We are to walk as Christ walked, and not as men. If you will prayerfully search out and be willing to deny the self-life, God will make it plain to you. There are many forms of "self," but the greatest and most dignified offender is self-pity. Someone once said that, outside the spiritual realm, our tears are self-pity. Self-pity is tearful and defensive. Self-reliance is another offender. It must be exalted and honored. When it comes to depriving "self" of its delights, it is a different story. ". . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" -- Matthew 16:24. To obtain Sanctification there must be a searching work of denying "self" and getting rid of the self-life so that Christ can take up His abode. "For in him we live, and move, and have our being..." -- Acts 17:28. Paul, the Apostle, said: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me . . . "-Galatians 2:20. George Mueller once said, "There was a day when I died, utterly died to George Mueller;" and, as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor -- "to his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame of even my brethren and friends. Since then I have studied to show myself approved only unto God." ". . . Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone . . ." -- John 12:24. We must "die" before we can be effective for Christ. Many who begin in the Spirit slip off into the flesh. This is because they have made allowance for it. Having begun in the Spirit, they now try to perfect the flesh; but the flesh cannot be perfected. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one" -- Job 14:4. Some teach that we sin in thought, word and deed every day. If this were true, the devil could not do worse, for these are the only ways one can sin. What foolishness this is, for the flesh profits nothing. It is good for nothing but to be crucified. "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain" -- Galatians 3:1-4. The fruit of the Spirit is manifest in the life of a Christian, and the works of the flesh are destroyed. If we return to any of these works of the flesh, the Bible teaches clearly this: ". . . they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" -- Galatians 5:21. "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor" -- Galatians 2:18. Transgressors are going to be destroyed. Here is the cause and beginning of backsliding: sadly, it is the beginning of deceit and letting down. A soul relieved of the burden of sin is happy and everyone rejoices with him. In the delights of his joy, he fails to go into a walk of holiness. In order to go on to perfection one must first be sanctified. There are many religious movements which claim spectacular things, but there is very little unity. Why? There is no Sanctification which brings oneness. "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" -- II Timothy 2:16. Spurious religious movements not only are fruitless and in vain, but "they increase unto more ungodliness." To remove Sanctification is to allow the flesh to exist, thus creating a breeding ground for all fallacy and carnality and fanaticism. The flesh is never satisfied, but is constantly crying out for more. "The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give ..." -- Proverbs 30:15. To gratify the flesh is to provide a way for the carnal man (which is the flesh) to mature instead of the Spirit. To contend against the doctrine of Sanctification is to reveal the presence of carnality. The motive for contention is to make allowance for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Mark it down that this is a sign! If one does not feel a deep need to be clean and holy, then he needs to be saved. One cannot go on to perfection with sin in his life. "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul ..." Proverbs 15:32. Some would lead us to believe that there are carnal Christians, but that very expression disputes itself. It is like saying a color is "black-white" or "dirty-clean." One cannot live carnally perfect. The answer for this dilemma is to walk in the light, the way, the truth, and clean up the heart channels that keep us in touch with God, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" -- Romans 8:6. The church of Corinth was not in a baby state -- they were backslidden. Paul is saying in I Corinthians, chapter 3, that he could not speak unto them as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. He could not even speak unto them as babes in Christ is what he is saying in essence. Even in the beginning you were not able to bear it, neither are you now able for you are yet carnal, is what he is saying. It is important that we "rightly divide" these verses and not just accept what we have been told. Analyze here what he is saying in essence: "I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual; I could not speak unto you as babes, for you are carnal." Stop and think! Paul is making it clear to us here that they were not even in Christ. There is much work done in the flesh (or by man's work) in the name of Christianity, but those who have experienced death of the self-life can tell you that everything they had accomplished before seemed as nothing in comparison to what was accomplished afterward. One author said, "We are strong with God only in the degree that 'self' is conquered and is dead." If we plan and try to put forth our ideas, our plans may be cutting athwart God's plans; for He knows the beginning of our life to the end and all the pitfalls along the way, and we do not. How do we know our plans and ideas are right? We read in the Word that it is not in man to direct his steps, but that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. After you have searched your heart and consecrated all, reckon yourself dead to sin (Romans 6:11). When your offering is complete and pleasing to God, span the gap by faith. Only by faith will the work be done after you have met God's requirements. Then, and only then, can we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. He will give you the witness when Sanctification is received. * * * * * * * Chapter 5. Growth in GraceThere is a growth in grace and many confuse this growth with the experience of Sanctification. In order to obtain Sanctification you must meet God's requirements, just as you did when seeking pardon from sin. You were forgiven and made a new creature in Christ. You cannot save yourself or grow into Salvation. Neither can you grow into Sanctification. You must prepare your vessel to meet the approval of God, and He will sanctify you. You must be holy before you can grow. Just as a person who goes swimming cannot swim into the water, but must first be in the water before he can swim. A growth in grace is necessary. A fitting example is found in the thinning of apples: The apples that have defects -- worms, scales. etc. -- must be picked off and destroyed when the fruit first comes on the tree. The apples that remain on the tree are perfect looking; but they are small, have very little juice, have no color and are sour. Nevertheless, they are perfect and uniform in size. As time goes on, they grow in size and the juice comes in; then color and sweetness come until they are full matured. They are then ready for picking. If the defective apples were left on the tree to grow to maturity, they would never grow to perfection. They would grow in size, but the defects would grow worse. The apples would probably drop off the tree or not be fit for human consumption. It would be the same way with a Christian trying to grow into Sanctification. One must be pure and holy in order to grow. There is no growth into Sanctification, but rather growth in grace to maturity. "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not my self to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things)" -- Philippians 3:12-19. This portion of Scripture explains that there is no place in the Christian's life where he feels he has attained everything and can stop. It lets him know he is not to act as if he either has already attained or were already perfect. We must keep pressing on and reaching forward to those things which are before (growing in grace) . This is going on to perfection, which is full maturity in the stature of Christ. Paul says here that as many as be perfect, be thus minded. As you are pressing toward full maturity, you are perfect all along the way. He said in essence, ..... not looking back, not stumbling or falling, but pressing always forward, walking in the light as He is in the light." A Christian grows in wisdom, knowledge, patience and faith; just as Christ grew in wisdom, knowledge and in favor with God and man. Sanctification is not an idea out of the mind of man, nor does it come by chance to a Christian. We must seek to find it. Knock on its door and it will be open to you. You and I are the recipients. "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord" -- Psalm 118:19. * * * * * * * Chapter 6. The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ – The Bride – The Church of the First BornThe five foolish virgins lost even their Salvation because of neglect. They did not go on to receive the oil in their vessels with their lamps. This is typical of the churches which deny the teaching of Sanctification to the people. Because of this, the Bible tells us that iniquity shall abound and the love of many shall wax cold. The people backslide. The result of backsliding is bickering, contention and disunity. What is most generally observed in the visible church of today is bickering, contention, assassination of character, backbiting, envy, place-seeking and every evil work. What is wrong? Sanctification is denied! It is fought with a vicious hatred because it means the crucifixion of "self" and the lowly way of the cross. Where one member is found working against another, take note that this one belongs not to the Body whose Head is Christ, who will not give an order to one member that will act as a detriment to another member, just as a natural member of our body will not harm another part of our natural body. The church member, or professing Christian, who speaks or acts to harm his fellow member belongs to another body whose head is Satan. Christ has called His true Church to oneness. "And a highway shall be there. and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" -- Isaiah 35:8. This leaves no indication that there is more than one way, or that all roads lead to Heaven. It does not say that God honors only the theology taught to the educated. The Bible must be spiritually discerned by those who are "born of the Spirit." There are some who do not try to attain unto perfection in the thought, "We are required only to live up to what we know." But willful ignorance will not pass by God when we stand before Him to give an account of deeds done in the body. God says His people are one. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith. one baptism, One God and Father of all. who is above all, and through all, and in you all" -- Ephesians 4:4-6. The seventeenth chapter of John tells of the prayer of Jesus for our Sanctification. Before going to the cross, Jesus poured out the anguished burden of His heart to His Father in behalf of His Bride -- the Church. For her sake He was about .to offer the supreme sacrifice. He spoke of His "called out ones" yearningly, as those whom the Father had given Him. He made it clear that it was not for the world He was praying at this time, but His thoughts were upon His Church, and in her pure hands alone was He leaving the ministry of the reconciliation of the lost in the centuries to follow. His prayer included those who, in time to come, would call upon His name (vs. 20). His Bride is to be made complete before His return. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" -- Psalm 24:3,4. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" -- Matthew 5:8. It is Sanctification that is the prerequisite of the Bride of Christ, It is only through heart purity that she shall be counted worthy to be joined to her heavenly Bridegroom. Jesus prayed that His people might be one. In essence, this was His prayer: "Father, just as I am one with thee and thou with me, give them that same oneness with each other, that they may also be one in us. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world; but they are mine and I have kept them in thy name. Now Father, sanctify them that they all may be one. The glory which thou gavest me I have given them. Make them one, that the world may know that thou hast sent me." The prayers of Jesus were always answered. "And I knew that thou hearest me always." -- John 11:42. We see the answer on the day of Pentecost. They were all of one accord in one place. Only 120 were there out of all the teeming multitudes that thronged about Him as He walked among them. It is a "hard saying" to most, and it was this that once prompted the astonished Peter to ask: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" -- Luke 13:23. It was then that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost -there in that upper room where just a little flock lost themselves in travail of soul, longing for the Comforter that had been promised. It is when we are sanctified and of one accord with Christ and with His true Church (the sanctified ones) that we can receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. God will not fill a vessel that is unclean (unsanctified). In I Corinthians, chapter 12, we read how the Church, or the Bride, makes up the Body of Christ, of which He is the Head. "The God of all grace . . . make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" -- I Peter 5:10. It has been said many times that the doctrines are the bones of the gospel. This being true, the entire nervous system in the back or spine of the natural body joining together and making it one, is like the experience of Sanctification in the spiritual body. This is what Sanctification is in the plan of Salvation. It is the nerve center of the whole "body." "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" -- Colossians 3:14. Here the Bible says, "And above all these things put on charity . . . . " Then it explains what charity is: ". . . which is the bond of perfectness." We are told to be perfect as He is perfect -- which is in heart, motive and love. The word "bond" means tie, stamp, seal or band. Charity is the signature or endorsement of perfectness. Charity is perfection personified. Sanctification renews you again in the image and likeness of God as man was created in the beginning (Holiness within in the inwards parts). See Colossians 3:5-15. This Body, of which Christ is the Head, is pure even as He is pure. Every member contributes his part which works in building up the other members. Those members that we think to be less honorable, upon those we bestow abundant honor. The members which seem to be more feeble are necessary. "For the body is not one member, but many" -- I Corinthians 12:14. In the natural body, each part works in perfect unity. The eye guides the path and is working for the good and protection of the whole body. The ear is alert to any benefit it can impart to the other members. Surely not the most comely, the faithful feet tirelessly bear the weight of the whole body, without which it would be immobile. Not any Dart works against the other, but each does its best to shield the other members from harm. Can you imagine one foot working against the other to trip it up, or one hand striking the pencil from the other because it desires to do the writing? Rather, it gently holds the paper that it may remain firm under the hand that holds the pencil. If one part of the body is in pain, the whole body suffers and comes to the aid of the injured member. Likewise is the spiritual Body of Christ. The eye cannot say it has no need of the hand (vs. 21). In this pure, sanctified Body which is the true Church, there is absolute, unmarred harmony. It is not confined to any certain group. Rather, it is an invisible Church and its members are here and there throughout the earth. From age to age it has been so. In this Body God has, and will bestow, the gifts of the Spirit. To one the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another discernment. He has set apostles, prophets, teachers; after that miracles, gifts of healing and many others. Neither are all teachers, nor are all bestowed with helps and governments. But God has tempered the Body together. Without schism, the members have the same care one for another as do the members of the natural body. In Ephesians, chapter 4, we read of that state of perfect love and unity of the Church. Rich in the gifts of the Spirit, the Church is perfected and edified unto a perfect man (II Timothy 3:17). It is in this blessed state that the Church will stand fast in one Spirit, and with one mind will strive together for the faith of the gospel (Hebrews 13:9). She stands even now in her beauty and purity and raiment of needlework. In every corner of the earth she awaits His call through the air, for she is of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. In her spotless robes of righteousness, she watches for His return, and her cry is, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness? Come and walk in the light of the Lord. "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you" -- Hosea 10:12. The study of holiness is inexhaustible. The Bible is full of lessons on Sanctification, purity, perfection -- ". . . holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." This should inspire the reader to clean living and a constant yearning for a closer walk with God and to see Jesus face to face. There is nothing that can be formed into words to fit any better than this: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" -- Hebrews 13:20,21. * * * * * * * Chapter 7. A Testimony to Entire SanctificationA Testimony to Entire SanctificationIn closing you will find this young man's testimony a confirmation that sanctification is real and accomplishes a definite work in one's life. "... then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea" -- Isa. 48:18. "... and there was a great calm" -- Matt. 8:26. Praise the Lord for His goodness to the children of men! Last night I received a wonderful experience of Sanctification! My heart has been rejoicing all day, and I want to tell you what great things the Lord has done for me! As I was praying it seemed that my heart was sincere and contrite before the Lord. All my struggles had not availed, and I cried brokenly to Jesus to somehow help me, and give me a real "washing" of the Word! Then I began to see how much the Lord loves us, with such an everlasting love. My mind became lost in meditation, and I could see Jesus breathing upon the disciples, saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." This had a great meaning to me, perhaps like a gentle wind that brings peace. Then I saw the sea, calm as glass, with the moon reflecting on the surface. Then a broad river, peacefully flowing by; and next a quiet pool, deep in the heart of the woods somewhere. I don't know how it happened, but this PEACE entered into my very soul! It just came right in, and calmed all the turmoil and unrest of so many months! What a glorious Gospel! Now I know why the Bible says so much about peace and quietness, about resting in the Lord. I believe the Lord sent rest in place of restlessness, and peace in place of troubled waters. Today was a wonderful day at work. Many things happened, but not once did that sense of peacefulness down inside leave me! Only God knew how much I have needed this! I have often felt like David, when he said his sore ran in the night. My inner life has been one long battle this past year, even after the Lord definitely delivered me from sin. He has indeed taught me many things, and yet that inadequacy and betrayal of Self within my heart has been a grief of mind to me, T believe nearly every moment of the day. At times I have almost resigned myself to it, feeling there must be no deliverance. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness! But I think that anyone who has once tasted the blessed fruit of holiness will always be unhappy until they find it once more. My, how great is God's power. My faith has surely been at a low ebb, with enemies without and within. The aspect of water and cleansing are wonderful and deep. I can really see it in the Word; but as plain as it is to me now, and clear. I can see that it is hidden to most people in its true significance. Only, I think, as we begin to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and tarry before the Lord, will He reveal Himself fully to our hearts. Praise His Name! It seems there is a new love in my heart. Rather than a great emotional upheaval, my experience was that everything already within me ceased. Oh what a rest our God has provided for the saints. I had really forgotten what it is like to release ourselves and all our works, and enter into rest! Friends, it is my deepest conviction that this is the most needed experience for God's people today! If they only knew how those billows could cease to roll, and a confidence and rest take over in perfect peace! My heart is so full with what I see in Jesus Christ, and His full provision for us, that I can hardly bear it. How different Christianity would be in the world, if all Christians walked in this grace, and great peace of mind! Oh, how the world would desire to inquire deeply into the Gospel! My life in the outer court has been lonely and shallow; for it is within the inner Tabernacle that God's presence dwells. I'm like David, when he went just a few steps, but couldn't proceed without offering sacrifices of Praise! Bless the Lord, Who has done marvelous things in us, all for His glory. I confess very plainly, that accusations, feelings, discouragements and loneliness have warred constantly within me, seeking my destruction. Furthermore, I have come to realize that they have sprung from a very deep seat within me; so that I couldn't help their appearance. It was this fact in particular that often caused me near-despair: for I wondered if I would ever be free from these, my worst enemies! Now I know there is no deliverance too hard for the Lord. He delights to do it for us, but we are so blinded most of the time to the true extent of His love for us! Holiness is now a reality to me, and I don't know how I have lasted so long without it. It is PEACE, REST, CALMNESS OF MIND, and happiness of heart. * * * * * * * Appendix: Additional Related Scriptures to StudyADDITIONAL RELATED SCRIPTURES TO STUDY 1 Chron. 28:9 * * * * * * * |