The definition of entire sanctification in the Bible as defined by Paul relates to a form of faith where the believer is totally dedicated to the faith in thought, words, and deed. It is easy for a Christian to act according to the faith when their actions are being observed. However, the concept of entire sanctification goes deeper and evaluate the intent of the Christian while undertaking good deeds (Trinklein, 2016). For example, a Christian who is entirely sanctified will not sin, not because of the fear of being caught but rather the love the believer has for God. The love referred to herein mirrors that defined by Paul as a love that excludes sin. The Christian has an absolute love for God, an absolute revulsion for all sin and evil and a heart which reflects the image of God.
Relationship with the Holiness Code
There is a close resemblance between the entire sanctification and the holiness code as reflected in the book of Leviticus chapters 17–26. This portion of scripture is referred to as the Holiness Code since the word Holy is referred to indicate how believers should normally behave. Whereas the Holiness Code does not relate to faith or the status of the heart, it carefully controls the character of the believer. Indeed, a believer who adheres to the Holiness Code and one who seeks to abide by the dictates of entire sanctification would have great similarities in character.
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Validity of the Teaching of Modern Christians
The character of the modern Christian based on modern theology has been formatted as per the portions of Old Testament scripture that has also been affirmed in the New Testament. Using the New Testament to affirm Old Testament teachings ensures that some extremities of the old form of faith that may be too extreme for modern Christianity are eliminated. As argued above, the Holiness Code in the Old Testament is to some extent reaffirmed by the entire sanctification teachings by Paul (Trinklein, 2016). This affirmation qualifies the teachings about the entire sanctification to be part and parcel of modern Christian teachings.
How It Should Be Addressed and Lived Out
It is now about 2000 years since the entire sanctification teaching was written by Paul. Further, this teaching was specifically addressed to the Church at the city of Thessalian in the first century AD. The best way for it to be addressed and lived out by the modern Christian is to have it applied to the modern times and the modern church (Trinklein, 2016). This theological application will enable the modern Christian to understand the teaching and also be able to live it out. It may be impractical to try and have the 2018 American Baptist live like an 80AD Thessalonian Christian hence the need for practical interpretation and application with the help of theologians.
Why This Teaching is not Taught in Churches Today
For the avoidance of doubt, the entire sanctification and other derivatives of the Holiness Code are not being taught in the modern church. In the case they are ever taught in the modern setting, the teachings are mainly limited to enlightenment about the old way of the faith and not for practical application by the laity. The main reason for the lack of emphasis for practicing entire sanctification is that Christianity has more or less ceased to be a religion and become a social movement. Having a high membership is one of the hallmarks of a successful church in the modern times. Indeed, within the last half-century, many changes in Christian dogma have been made to avoid losing members. Declining to teach on entire sanctification is one of these changes as its rigorous practice may make most members uncomfortable and perhaps cause them to leave the faith.
References
Trinklein, J. (2016). Holiness unto whom? John Wesley’s doctrine of entire sanctification in light of the two kinds of righteousness. Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
