March 16

The Bible Teaches A Second Work Of Grace

A seeker ready to be convinced by the authority of the Bible wrote to the Herald of Holiness: “Would you please either publish or send me some scripture references which verify our belief in the baptism with the Holy Spirit and sanctification as a second definite work of grace?”

Dr. W. T. Purkiser replied as follows: “This is a large order, but here are a few: “Matthew 3:11-12 — The baptism with the Spirit follows water baptism. “Matthew 5:48 — These words are addressed to those who are Christians (God is their Heavenly Father). “Luke 11:13 — The Holy Spirit is given to those who come to God as their Heavenly Father. “John 14:15-18 — The world cannot receive the Holy Spirit. The disciples can and shall. “John 17:17 — Christ prays for His disciples to be sanctified (see verses 3-16). “Acts 2:1-4 — All so filled with the Spirit were disciples of the Lord. “Acts 8:5-17 — The Samaritans were baptized believers before they were filled with the Spirit. “Acts 19:5-6 — The disciples at Ephesus were baptized with water by Paul, and after that were filled with the Spirit. “Romans 6:6, 11, 22; 8:2-4, 6-9 — Freedom from inner sin is promised to Christians. “Romans 12:l-2 — Consecration is a Christian obligation. “II Corinthians 7:l — Christians are to be cleansed to perfect holiness. “Ephesians 4:20-24 — Christians are to put off the ‘old man.’ “Ephesians 5:15 — The command to be filled with the Spirit is given to believers. “Ephesians 5:25-27 — Christ gave himself to sanctify and cleanse the Church.”

(More Tomorrow)