The Wesleyan View of Sanctification (Part Five)
Series Part One Series Part Two Series Part Three Series Part Four
There are many view of sanctification practiced by professing Christians across the globe. One common thread identifiable in the vast majority of them is that one key aspect of sanctification is its progressive nature. Christians are identified as saints (note the beginning of many of Paul's epistles, "the saints at..."). Even though set apart, sanctified, or holy there is still an idea that Christians can and must grow in their sanctification. But what does this look like? Somewhere and somehow people will be forced to deal with God's activities in this process and man's responsibility or obligation in this process.
Scripture gives us glimpses of what this growth looks like. And as a result many have tried to categorize this growth either in steps, phases, hills, valleys, and decisions, etc. What I wish to do here is attempt a presentation of each position (and the scriptural proof texts employed by each position). I leave it up to you the reader to discern the truth/error, value, strength/weakness of each position. In some form or fashion, I'm sure you have seen and/or heard all these positions before (maybe not in full but at least some of the parts).
Each system or position has to deal with key texts in scripture. Consider how you personally understand or have been taught concerning the following texts (Just a thought: Claiming God does or does not keep promises of both blessing and cursing will not change the exegesis of the following texts. However, presuppositions do provide powerful "rose-colored" glasses to view all texts):
1. Simon the sorcerer (Acts). Was he a true believer? Did he only make a profession? Fruit bearing?
2. Romans 7 and 8. Who do these texts describe? Believers? Unbelievers? Mature?
3. 1 Corinthians 2-3. Who is fleshly? Who is carnal? Who is spiritual?
4. Gal 5-6. Who walks in the spirit? Who walks in the flesh?
5. Romans 12. When do we do this? How many times do we do this? What if we don't more/less sanctified, separated, dedicated?
We'll begin with the Wesleyan view of sanctification (please see diagram below).
Just in case pictures help to understand the theological teaching of Wesleyan progressive sanctification, please see the diagram above. These charts are not unique to me (sources using same charts are listed at end of this article).***
If you will notice (at least in the realm of evangelical Christianity), Christian growth begins at the cross. This pattern will appear in each chart position presented. In this (means) of Christian growth the point of salvation is described as a first work of grace (perhaps efficacious, saving, or prevenient). Notice also from the diagram that there is a point in the chronology of progressive sanctification which is called a crisis. This crisis will be identified in many of the charts though with various titles/nomenclature (spirit-baptism, Christ as Lord, speaking in tongues, etc...). Notice also that until this point the professing believer is still in a non-sanctified state (I take this to mean that they have not reached a crisis point where true sanctification can begin).
Note that when this crisis occurs (which is not actually an upward clime or progressive) but that the professing Christian actually functions on a higher level than when they began (we'll call this maturity or being a mature/complete believer). This higher level is also identified as entire sanctification, Christian perfection, perfect love between God and man. This crisis event will take multiple forms under different systems of progressive sanctification (accepting Christ as Lord, Life-dedication, full time Christian service, Spirit-baptism/tongues speaking, etc...). These will be discussed in more detail with each related system (with particular system proof texts).
Lastly, please see there are arrows going up and down between this higher position and lower level. I presume this to mean that this higher level of mature living can be lost and gained again. Please remember this pattern it will also appear in other Christian diagrams describing Christian sanctification. You will see this changing of levels in multiple forms of progressive sanctification.
A careful reading of original source literature denotes that advocates are not claiming sinless perfection (though some may take this position or accuse all advocates as teaching such). Note: English translation glosses such as" "perfect" "perfection" or "holy." Notice the sermon on the mount or 2 Tim 3:16-17, using this terminology of "perfect." Perhaps even in your own scripture study you've seen the terms but have used other words such as "mature" or "complete."
So how would you identify this form of progressive sanctification in a local church? Notice how the sermon ends? What are you actually asked or encouraged to do? Dedication, commitment, salvation? These type of questions (but not exclusively) help to identify what form/pattern of progressive sanctification is being taught in the local church.
*** I don't know for certain who originated these charts but the following employ them in literature:
H. Wayne House. Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.
Naselli, Andrew. Let Go and Let God? A Survey and Analysis of Keswick Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2010.
Ryrie, Charles. Balancing the Christian Life. Chicago: Moody, 1969.
Hope this article and the ones to come on the issue of progressive sanctification are a help in this area of Christian growth.
Comments and corrections exegetically or theologically always encouraged.
The series will continue with other Christian views of progressive sanctification.
