Journey Towards Holiness: Understanding Entire Sanctification and the Pursuit of Sinless Perfection.

Discover the concept of entire sanctification and whether achieving sinless perfection is attainable for Christians. Explore a balanced perspective on this topic and the journey towards holiness.

Understanding Entire Sanctification: A Journey Towards Holiness

Entire sanctification, also known as Christian perfectionism or sinless perfection, is a teaching that has sparked much debate among believers. It suggests that a Christian can reach a state of holiness in which they cease to sin in this life. But is this truly attainable? Let's explore this topic further and delve into what the Bible says about sanctification.

The Concept of Sanctification

To grasp the idea of entire sanctification, we must first understand the concept of sanctification itself. Sanctification refers to being set apart for God's purposes. It has both a positional and a practical aspect.

In its positional sense, sanctification occurs when a person comes to faith in Christ and is declared holy and set apart by God. They become part of a holy people, a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9). This positional sanctification is the foundation upon which the believer's journey towards practical sanctification is built.

Practical sanctification, also known as progressive sanctification, is the ongoing process of becoming more and more like Christ in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It involves living a life that is set apart for God and growing in holiness.

The Search for Entire Sanctification

Those who advocate for entire sanctification believe that it is possible for Christians to reach a state of complete sanctification in this life, where they no longer commit sin. They see it as an ideal that any believer can attain through a deepening relationship with God.

Supporters of this view often cite verses like Matthew 5:48, where Jesus commands us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. They argue that if God commands it, it must be achievable. They also point to 1 John 3:6, which states that those who abide in Christ do not continue to sin. According to them, this implies that sin can be completely eradicated from a believer's life.

On the other hand, critics of entire sanctification acknowledge the importance of pursuing holiness but believe that sin remains a reality even for believers. They argue that 1 John 1:8 reminds us that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the advocacy of Jesus as our Advocate for sinning believers reinforces the idea that sin is an ongoing struggle.

It is essential to examine these differing views in light of the overall message of Scripture and the experiences of believers throughout history.

A Balanced Perspective

While the idea of entire sanctification may be appealing, it is vital to approach this topic with a balanced perspective. The Bible does not explicitly promise or guarantee that believers can achieve sinless perfection in this life.

However, Scripture does call us to pursue holiness and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It encourages us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). These passages emphasize the importance of continually striving to live in a manner that is pleasing to God and characterized by holiness.

As believers, we should not use the concept of entire sanctification as an excuse for complacency or as a source of discouragement. Instead, we should view it as a goal to pursue, knowing that we are continually being transformed into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Journey Towards Holiness

Our journey towards holiness is a lifelong process that involves both the work of God's grace and our active participation. It requires us to surrender our lives to God, allowing Him to shape us and mold us into His likeness.

Just as a potter carefully molds clay, God is intimately involved in shaping us into vessels of honor (Jeremiah 18:6). We are the clay, and He is the Potter. He gently removes impurities and refines us through various trials and challenges, ultimately conforming us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Throughout this process, we must actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us. We do this through prayer, studying the Word of God, fellowship with other believers, and engaging in acts of service and obedience.

While we may never reach a state of sinless perfection in this life, we can experience victory over sin and grow in holiness. It is a journey marked by progress rather than perfection. As we abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Conclusion

Entire sanctification, or sinless perfection, is a topic that has generated much discussion and debate among believers. While some hold to the belief that it is possible to achieve a state of complete sanctification in this life, others maintain that sin remains a reality even for believers.

As we navigate this theological landscape, it is important to approach the topic with humility, recognizing our ongoing need for God's grace and guidance. We should diligently pursue holiness, knowing that it is a lifelong journey that requires active participation on our part.

Ultimately, our hope lies in the promise that one day, when we are in the presence of God in heaven, we will experience the fullness of sanctification and be completely free from the presence and power of sin. Until then, let us press on, striving to live lives that honor and reflect the holiness of our God.