LAWTON CHURCH OF GOD, LAWTON, OKLAHOMA

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14 ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION—HOW OBTAINED

Three points, clearly and fully determined, will invariably bring the diligent seeker into the experience of entire sanctification.

First, there should be the positive assurance, or witness of the Spirit to a present acceptance with God. If there is any doubt concerning this point—any questioning as to the pardon of all past sins, this point should be fully settled first. Many have found difficulty in seeking this experience because they were living beneath the plane where sanctification begins. We have observed that they who live in the clear light of justification are ever the first to seek this experience and seldom have any difficulty in receiving the same. Persons who are backsliders in heart, and are conscious that they are “sinning every day,” are not eligible to this experience. If there is any sense of guilt and condemnation the prayer must be for pardon and reclamation and not for sanctification. But when the question of pardon and acceptance is fully settled, then it is time to drive a stake and say, “Glory,” and take the second step toward sanctification.

Second. The second step toward entire sanctification is entire consecration—a complete and unconditional abandonment of yourself and your all to God. In Matthew 23:19 , we read that it is “the altar that sanctifieth the gift.” Christ being our living altar we need to dedicate and consecrate our all—unconditionally, irrevocably and eternally—to him. This is the most difficult part in seeking the experience of sanctification. Usually there are three stages or three steps before consecration is completed. 1. “I desire to consecrate.” 2. “I am trying to consecrate.” 3. “I do give up all to Jesus.” Some itemize their consecration; this is a good thing to do. However, there should be a large space between the itemized account and the signature of the individual with the understanding that God can fill out the blank space as it may seem good in His sight. Another plan is simply to emphasize the words “my all”—all I know and all I don’t know; all I have and all I expect to have; all I am and all I hope to be; my past present and future I yield to thee.” The soul that desires the blessing more than anything else in the world and will make a death-bed consecration is very near the blessing. Consecration is the pledge of an eternal “yes” to all the will of God. Satan will be present to suggest that possibly all is not yet consecrated, but a resolute steadfast purpose of heart to be wholly the Lord’s will speedily defeat the enemy. The singing of the following verse of consecration has helped multitudes into the experience:

“Here I give my all to Thee,

Friends and time and earthly store;

Soul and body thine to be,

Wholly thine forevermore.”

When the soul can look up into heaven and say, “O my God thou knowest all things,” and thou knowest my heart and my thoughts: thou dost know that I give up my all to thee; all I know and all that I do not know, which may be made known to me in the future,” the blessing of sanctification is nigh at hand, there being but one more short step to be taken.

Third, When the foregoing steps have been taken—so that there is no lingering doubt regarding those points, it only remains for the seeker to exercise a little faith—appropriating faith—which appropriates the promises and receives the blessing God has promised. Faith is simply believing what God says, and believing it because God said it, and so making the promise our own. We may encourage our faith by determining the following three points: 1. God is able to sanctify me wholly. 2. God is willing to sanctify me wholly. 3. God is ready to sanctify me wholly.

If God is now able, willing and ready to sanctify me wholly, and I am willing and ready to be sanctified wholly, what is to hinder? I can, and I will and I do now believe that Jesus sanctifies me wholly. I have done my part, I now believe He does His part. My case is wholly in His hands: I now trust Jesus to sanctify me wholly. I do now receive Jesus as my sanctifier, and trust His blood to cleanse my heart from all sin.”

“Hallelujah ‘tis done,

I believe on the Son,

I am saved by the blood

Of the crucified One.”

Now there is nothing more to do but rest on the promises, and believe that the blood of Jesus now cleanseth me from all sin, because Jesus says so, and praise Him for the cleansing. If the enemy continues to buffet, declare your faith to others; tell them that you believe that the blood of Jesus cleanseth your heart from all sin; that you have, and do now receive Jesus as your sanctifier, and the victory is complete. “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 .“Sanctified by faith.” Acts 26:18 .