March 17

The Bible Teaches A Second Work Of Grace (Continued)

Yesterday we reviewed some of the scriptural evidence for entire sanctification as a second work of grace. We traced the doctrine from Matthew through Paul’s Ephesian letter. Today we follow the evidence still further.

“I Thessalonians 4:3, 7-8; 5:23-2 — Christians are called to holiness, to be sanctified wholly.

“Titus 2:11-14 — The grace of God provides not only redemption but purity. “Hebrews 6:1-3 — Believers must go on unto perfection.

“Hebrews 12:14-16 — Holiness is essential to ‘see the Lord,’ and to prevent backsliding.

“Hebrews 13:12 — Christ suffered to sanctify His people with His own blood.

“James 4:8 — Sinners are to cleanse their hands; the double-minded, to purify their hearts.

“I Peter l:14-16 — God calls His obedient children to holiness in all manner of living.

“I John 1:7 — Only Christians walk in the light, and as they do they are cleansed from all sin.

“I John 3:2-3 — Those with hope of seeing Christ purify themselves, even as He is pure.

“The point of most of these references, as you see, is that they relate to those who are already converted. That what is to be done for them is a ‘definite work of grace’ is seen in the use of such terms as ‘baptize,’ ‘make perfect,’ ‘receive’ the Holy Spirit, ‘fill,’ ‘cleanse,’ ‘put off,’ ‘put on,’ etc. None of these terms suggests a gradual process which goes on through all of life and is never finished until the hour of death. They rather speak of what has a definite beginning in the experience of the believer, although its effects continue through all of life.”