January 13

Read: John 17:15-20

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

We Believe

“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.’

“There is a marked distinction between a perfect heart and a perfect character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result of entire sanctification, but the latter is the result of growth in grace.

“Our mission to the world is not alone to spread scriptural holiness as a doctrine, but also to be ‘an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ Our people should give careful heed to the development of holiness in the fear of the Lord, to the promotion of the growth of Christian graces in the heart, and to their manifestation in the daily life” (Manual, Church of the Nazarene).

Affirmation For Today

I believe it is God’s will to cleanse my heart from sin, to fill me with His Holy Spirit, thus giving me power for Christian life and service.