11/13/13 THE MAIN COURSE
Entire Sanctification is not the icing on the cake, it is not the cake, in fact, Entire Sanctification is not the dessert or something extra for the Christian. It is the Main Course, with which God prepares the table for our spiritual feast.
Entire Sanctification is not extra...
Psalms 23:5 (first part)
(5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies...
When we feast at the table of God's blessings, remember, Entire Sanctification is not the icing on the cake. In fact, it is not the cake or any other dessert. It is the main course. Since this model is not developed in the Bible, I cannot be dogmatic concerning the idea of the spiritual meal (the Appetizer, the Main Course and the Dessert) served at the table of God. But let me use this model to illustrate the importance of Entire Sanctification.
THE APPETIZER
Consider the possibility that infant atonement or the calling of a sinner to God is like the Appetizer. Concerning children; I believe Christ is the Savior of all men, in the sense that Jesus died for all men (not as a penal satisfaction, but as an atoning sacrifice). All the children of Adam inherit a carnal or sinful nature and are therefore spiritually corrupted and disqualified from heaven. However, God in His love and mercy, has made provision through the death of Christ to atone for this inherited corruption in pre-born and infant children. It is during those tender years of early childhood, that children sense the presence of God and are introduced to the love of God. This period of time should lead to an actual faith in Christ. For those brought up in Christian homes, the transition to personal faith might come quickly. Some others go many years before personal faith and most people never come to a personal relationship through faith. No one comes to God without the calling of the Holy Spirit. This happens before personal faith (an Appetizer).
1 Timothy 4:9-10
(9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
(10) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
THE MAIN COURSE
When a person hears, believes and receives the gospel he becomes a Christians. He is Justified (Forgiven and Cleansed from personal rebellion) and Regenerated (born again by the Spirit of God). Being alive in Christ, he now has the spiritual ability to walk with God. However, he soon discovers that he still has a carnal mind, which disrupts his walk with God. God has provided deliverance from the sinful nature through the cross of Christ. The Justified person wants to be conformed to the image of Christ, wants to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, wants to always do that which is pleasing in His sight. He finds himself fighting an inner foe, and wants deliverance (Romans Seven) and finds it in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Romans Eight).
In Justification the person is forgiven and cleansed from personal iniquity, and made a partaker of Divine nature through the new birth; in Entire Sanctification the believer is purified by the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In Justification a person comes alive to God; in Entire Sanctification a believer dies to sin and self. In Justification a person receives life; in Entire Sanctification he receives abundant life. In Justification a person has peace with God; in Entire Sanctification the believer has the very peace of God ruling in his heart. In Justification a person has joy; in Entire Sanctification a believer has the fullness of joy, (joy unspeakable and full of glory). In Justification a person has love; in Entire Sanctification a believer is made perfect in love. Justification has much to do with what we do and Entire Sanctification has much to do with what we are. In Justification we put on the new man; in Entire Sanctification we put off the old man.
We are saved to be sanctified. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they had received the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. The unsaved is invited to salvation, the saved are directed to total commitment. God's plan is not Justification without Entire Sanctification; they go together to make up the main course of the Christian life.
James 4:8
(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Titus 2:13-14
(13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
THE DESSERT
So, if Infant Atonement and the Holy Spirit's wooing of the unsaved is the Appetizer and if Justification and Entire Sanctification are the Main Course, what is the dessert? The various and many blessings that we enjoy as the children of God throughout our faithful walk with Him. The blessings that add to our lives but are not essential to our spiritual life, as Justification and Entire Sanctification ARE essential.
Hebrews 12:13-15
(13) And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
(14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
(15) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
(7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
(8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Another model is the imparting of the Holy Spirit.
THE APPETIZER
The Holy Spirit, like Eliezer of old, came looking for a a bride for Christ. He speaks to little children about God and spiritual issues and invites them to trust Christ. The Holy Spirit also convicts and convinces the unsaved to trust in Christ for their salvation.
THE MAIN COURSE
The Holy Spirit is imparted to those who repent and He regenerates, leads, gifts and helps them pray. He purifies and empowers believers who make full surrender, filling them with Himself.
THE DESSERT
The Holy Spirit anoints and refreshes, empowers and leads the believer in his ongoing walk with Christ.
