LAWTON CHURCH OF GOD, LAWTON,
OKLAHOMA
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10
WHY NOT SANCTIFIED WHEN CONVERTED? 1. Because it is contrary to the word of God.
God could do many things He does not do, simply because it is not His method or
plan of doing. He could make gold pieces grow on sycamore trees if it were
simply a question of power; but such is not His way of doing things. So He unquestionably could sanctify a man
wholly at the same instant He pardons his sins, but this is not His method as
revealed in His word. He has never called or commanded a sinner to become
sanctified, nor has He given any promises of sanctification to a sinner. In
every instance where the command or promise of sanctification is given in the
word of God it is to those who are already His people. In the study of God’s
word many cases can be pointed out where sanctification was not accomplished in
conversion. God has method and system in all His works. What He does for one man
in conversion He does for others; He does not have a half dozen ways of
converting folks. The manifestations of that work may vary. But the same work is
divinely inwrought. 2. The sinner does not realize his need of
sanctification. The one thing that engages the attention of the penitent sinner
is his guilt and condemnation, and the consequent results of his sins, and how
he may find deliverance and obtain the favor of God. Had God sanctified me when
He converted me He would have done so without my having understood my need or
privilege of the same and without my asking. No sinner feels his need of
sanctification, nor thinks of praying God to sanctify him when under conviction
for sin and seeking pardon. And although there are preachers who insist that
justification and sanctification are simultaneous, not one would invite a
penitent sinner to come and seek sanctification. If this is what a sinner should
seek and expect to receive—why should he not be told of it? After peace has
been obtained, and the soul has the consciousness of pardon, and comes to see
and feel its need of deliverance from “the sin which doth so easily beset,”
and understands that such is the will of God and the “inheritance among them
which are sanctified by faith,” there can be intelligent asking and compliance
with conditions and proper appreciation of the gift bestowed. 3. The work of justification and the work of
sanctification deal with two different phases of sin; the former having to do
with sins committed—sin as an act, while sanctification has to do with sin
inherited—sin as a principle or nature. In some particulars these works of the
Spirit are direct opposites. In justification there is the quickening of our
moral natures—the impartation of a new life; in sanctification there is the
destruction, and crucifixion—the deadening of our carnal nature (our old man)
as in
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