A HOLINESS LIBRARY
HOLINESS has been the subject of many discussions, disagreements, sermons, tracts, and books throughout the history of the Christian Church. Most Christian churches believe in a "holiness" of some kind, whether it be imputed, positional, or some other genre. For some strange reason, much of Christianity has fought the idea that a Christian actually can be holy and live a life that consistently pleases God. Christians who believe in an ethical holiness have been in the minority almost all the time. Often considered fanatics or spiritual simpletons, their message has been brushed aside in every generation with few exceptions.
There appears to be a reemergence of an interest in holiness as evidenced by a few radio programs and some web sites that have come to light in the past few years. Below are some sermons, articles and books relative to the subject of holiness authored by educated and sincere men of God from ages past as well as some contemporary authors. The careful student of the subject of ethical holiness will realize that holiness is not a new subject in the Christian world and that this heritage goes back to the cross of Calvary. Holiness of life is the natural and logical result of salvation from sin.
All titles used here are believed to be in public domain or that permission has been granted for their use on the Internet. The inclusion of any work on this page does not necessarily indicate agreement with or endorsement by the Lawton Church of God.
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COMMENTS |
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Thomas á Kempis |
Written around 1418, this book had a profound impact on the young John Wesley and influenced his thinking along the lines of holiness prior to his conversion. It was written to assist serious Christians in the pursuit of holiness in a time when holiness was confined to the monastery. Although it is tainted with some medieval superstition and reliance on good works, it still has merit for all who want to understand the fundamentals of practical holiness in every day life.
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A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life William Law |
This book impacted the life of the young John Wesley and influenced his starting a holiness club, which eventually became Methodist Societies under his ministry. First published in 1729, this is not an easy read for modern Americans but it is well worth the study. While heavy on legalism, it does prefigure the spiritual condition Wesley sought to promote. |
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John Wesley |
A sermon by John Wesley in which he explores the biblical concept of Christian Perfection. He addresses what perfection IS and what it is NOT. Mr. Wesley also addresses objections to this teaching, most of which are still brought up today. This sermon is of great historical importance because it is one of the first logical explanations of Christian Perfection since the time of the Apostles.
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John Wesley |
A sermon by John Wesley. Wesley understands holiness and perfection to be the same thing. He explains Christian perfection and then answers some objections. This message supplements the original teaching of Mr. Wesley on this topic.
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A Plain Account of Christian Perfection John Wesley |
This is the final and definitive work by John Wesley on the subject of Christian Perfection. It is a defense and recapitulation of all the Mr. Wesley taught on the subject and it contains extracts from various sermons and tracts that he wrote.
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John Wesley And The Second Blessing Timothy L. Smith |
A scholarly and well documented article by Smith in which he examines the evolution of Wesley's understanding of entire sanctification as a distinct experience subsequent to conversion.
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Asa Mahan, D.D. |
Written in 1839 by Dr. Mahan, whose theological background was not Wesleyan, this book is one of the clearest and most concise discussions of Christian Perfection (also known as Holiness and Entire Sanctification) ever written. Dr. Mahan discusses this subject in eight chapters giving precise scriptural analysis to the topic and addresses the most common objections. This is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the scriptural view of holiness.
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Charles G. Finney |
A sermon by Finney from 1837 dealing with the subject of Christian Perfection. His five points are: (1) to show what Christian Perfection is not, (2) to show what is the perfection required, (3) to show that perfection is a duty, (4) to show that it is attainable, and (5) to answer some objections. Finney equates sanctification, perfection, and holiness. "Too long has the church been in the habit of thinking that the great design of the gospel is, to save men from the punishment of sin, whereas its real design and object is to deliver men FROM SIN."
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Charles G. Trumbull |
From a sermon by Charles Trumbull delivered in 1911. Trumbull speaks of his CONSTANT FAILURE in his Christian experience until he experienced and encounter with Christ that transformed his life to CONSTANT VICTORY. Trumbull found that in the New Testament words such as Christ in you, Christ our life, abiding in Christ, etc. are not mere figures of speech or goals at which to direct our lives, they are literal. I had always known that Christ was my Saviour; but I had looked upon Him as an external Saviour, one who did a saving work for me from outside, as it were; one who was ready to come close alongside and stay by me, helping me in all that I needed, giving me power and strength and salvation. But now I know something better than that. At last I realized that Jesus Christ was actually and literally within me; and even more than that, that He had constituted Himself my very life, taking me into union with Himself—my body, mind, and spirit—while I still had my own identity and free will and full moral responsibility.
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The Present Possession of Perfection in First John Ora D. Lovell |
This is an excellent and brief analysis of the concept of perfection presented in the First Epistle of John. Lovell shows that understanding the grammar used by John is important for understanding the doctrine, and once understood, it makes more than a compelling case for the truth of perfection. The atonement provides both pardon for sins committed and cleansing from sinful corruption. There is no such thing as growth into holiness; there is only a transformation into holiness. |
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Daniel Steele |
This holiness classic is a non-academic discussion of what holiness looks like in the lives of the sanctified. Dr. Steele, a Methodist theologian, was once an opponent of entire sanctification but became an ardent supporter of both the experience and the teaching after his own experience of entire sanctification (Read his testimony in Chapter 15). While approaching entire sanctification from the "second blessing" perspective, Dr. Steele is loathe to systematize the experience, "merely trading transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit for a mere dogma and a sense of supposed orthodoxy." Readers will find my value regardless of their approach to entire sanctification. A good read! |
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Samuel L. Brengle |
Written in 1896 by Samuel Bringle, a member of the Salvation Army, this is an extremely helpful book for anyone seeking instruction for living a holy life. Written from the traditional holiness second blessing view point, it provides much insight to the practices and attitudes essential to a life of self-denial and total consecration to Jesus Christ and the perfect will of God for your life. People who might not accept the second blessing concept will still find much of value in this book. This book is a holiness classic. It contains many terms and illustrations out of Salvation Army practices from the times.
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Samuel L. Brengle |
Written in 1897, Dr. Bringle, a Commissioner in the Salvation Army, presents helpful comments on many aspects of holy living. This book is written in a conversational style rather than academic. It object is pastoral rather than doctrinal or apologetic. This is a classic book on holiness and a "must read" for people who want to know more about every-day holy living. It is written from the point of view of the "second blessing", which is evident from some of the terminology used, but the principles are valid for people that might not totally accept that view.
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The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Asa Mahan, D.D. |
Dr. Mahan wrote this book in 1870, quite some time after his Christian Perfection. While it has a holiness focus, it proceeds on a different tack than Perfection and may be confusing to the casual reader. Thisoerhaps raises more questions than it answers. The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was not originally associated with with the Wesleyan understanding of entire sanctification. Dr. Mahan makes a vague attempt to tie the two together, but his approach is not as clear as later Holiness teaching on the subject. At times he his confusing. Nevertheless, this book is historically significant in the area of holiness teaching. While few would agree with the entire concept of this book, there are many valuable truths brought out by Dr. Mahan.
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The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Rev. Danny McCain |
A sermon by the Reverend Danny McCain in which he examines the New Testament accounts of the baptism of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost, Samaria, Cornelius, and Ephesus. What happened in each case? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? There are several ways in which that question is answered in the Holiness Movement that depend on the explanation for entire sanctification held by individual churches or groups. Does this happen in a first work or grace; a second work of grace; a third work of grace? Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit when inherited sin is eradicated or when people are supposed to speak in tongues? What is it? McCain summarizes his message saying . . . the baptism of the Spirit is the event or time when the Holy Spirit places a believer into the body of Christ. This takes place at conversion. Though there are often powerful spiritual experiences that occur after conversion, the term "baptism of the Holy Spirit" is not the appropriate term to describe those experiences. At least, that is not the way the term is used in the New Testament.
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Baptism and Spirit Baptism in the New Testament Robert W. Lyon
Spirit Baptism the Means of Sanctification: A Response to the Lyon View J. Kenneth Grider
The Baptism of the Spirit--Continued Robert W. Lyon
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Here is a series of three articles that appeared in the Wesleyan Theological Journal concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Lyon takes the position that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the same as regeneration, building his argument partially on the foundation of language. Grider counter this argument with the traditional Wesleyan-Holiness view that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second work of grace in salvation that results in the sanctification of the believer. The third article is Lyon's response to Grider's argument in which he challenges the linguistic assumptions of Grider--assumptions that are so much part of the Wesleyan-Holiness view. Lyon in no way denies or refutes the concept of Christian Perfection as the work of the Holy Spirit, even after conversion, but seeks to give a biblically correct view of this most important event in the lives of Christians. The division between the two viewpoints seems impassible, but yet it is a matter of interpretation of biblical facts, both of which lead to the same end: HOLINESS. What is important is that Christians receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit regardless of the mode expressed. Tolerance is preferable to division when both viewpoints are after the same end.
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The Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the Wesleyan Tradition George Allen Turner |
The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit has been approached in different ways among holiness churches. After citing these views, Turner pursues the baptism of the Holy Spirit as linked to entire sanctification experienced subsequent to conversion. He cites John Wesley and John Fletcher in the development of this view and then briefly traces the history of this teaching from Wesley into the Nineteenth Century.
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The Role of the Holy Spirit in Entire Sanctification in the Writings of John Wesley William M. Arnett |
Arnett searches the writings of John Wesley to cull out his teaching on the role of the Holy Spirit in Entire Sanctification. While it is not exhaustive, it is thorough and relevant. He classifies Wesleys' statements into four areas" (1) the preparatory work of the Holy Spirit prior to sanctification , (2) the preliminary work of the Holy Spirit in entire sanctification, (3) the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, and (4) the witness of the Spirit in entire sanctification. |
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Alex R. G. Deasley |
Equating entire sanctification with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit did not originate with John Wesley. There are divergent views on this subject among Wesleyan theologians, each having their doctrinal points clearly outlined and thought out. However, the evidence of the Book of Acts cannot be systemized in a completely tidy way, as some would have us believe. Never-the-less, this in no way negates or compromises the teaching of the "second blessing", entire sanctification.
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Dr. Adam Clarke |
Dr. Clarke is the writer of the famous commentary that bears his name. While the title might suggest an exposition on the Wesleyan concept of the Second Blessing, this essay actually presents an keen explanation of holiness in the fashion of Christian Perfection. "The perfection of the gospel system is not that it makes allowances for sin, but that it makes an atonement for it; not that it tolerates sin, but that it destroys it.
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Phoebe Palmer |
Written in 1855, Mrs. Palmer was the first woman author to write literature on holiness in a popular style as opposed to an academic style thereby making the subject available to average Christians. Mrs. Palmer writes that holiness is attainable because it is integral to God's plan of salvation. This book contains simple and provocative chapters on practical holiness. This is not legalism or pious sentiment as too often identified with holiness but genuine consecration to God.
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Entire Sanctification As Taught In The Book Of Romans Wilber T. Dayton |
This paper by Wilber Dayton was originally published in the Wesleyan Theological Journal. The phrase "entire sanctification" appears only once in the King James Version of the Bible, yet concept is critical to the teaching of holiness. Dayton shows how this concept is related in the Book of Romans using many different terms. He also shows how this concept is to be understood, not just in a narrow sense but in a larger sense of holiness.
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Entire Sanctification - A Second Blessing C. W. Ruth |
C. W. Ruth was a holiness evangelist. This book is his major contribution to holiness literature. Written in 1903, it is perhaps one of the clearest and most concise writings on the subject of entire sanctification from the Wesleyan-Holiness viewpoint. It is written in common language with very short, readable chapters. This book is highly recommended for lay persons and for Christians that may not be familiar with the teaching of entire sanctification. Ruth includes his personal testimony in this work along with lists of scripture readings on sanctification. The final section of this book contains many sermon outlines relative to sanctification and its impact on the life of the Christian.
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The Second Crisis in Christian Experience C. W. Ruth |
The content of this book by C. W. Ruth is similar to that of Entire Sanctification-A Second Blessing. It was written, not for theologians, but for the interested Christian. It is quite readable with short chapters. Ruth emphasizes that Entire Sanctification is a second definite crisis experience in the work of salvation. |
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Temptations Peculiar to the Sanctified C. W. Ruth |
Temptations are to the Christian life what exercise is to the gymnasium. Since temptation is common in the Christian life, it is best for us to understand temptation. Sin is not a mistake. A mistake is something one does when he does not know better; a sin is something one does when he knows better. We are never saved from making mistakes but we can be, and must be, saved from all sin. In this short book, Ruth discusses many temptations peculiar to the state of entire sanctification.
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"GOD'S WILL . . . FOR YOU" Sanctification in the Thessalonian Epistles Wayne McCown |
Sanctification texts in the Thessalonian Epistles are often used as "support" texts but seldom as foundation texts for the doctrine of entire sanctification. There is some valuable information in this article concerning sanctification: Sanctification is God's work in the believer. Our assurance of sanctification is based upon the character of God.
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Allan Coppedge |
Holiness begins with the character of God. If He is holy and made man in His image, it follows that in some sense man was designed to be holy as well. In holiness there is more than just a requirement to BE, there is a requirement to DO. Entire sanctification is demonstrated in discipleship--and Christ gave the church a commandment to make disciples. Included within this article is a good explanation on what it takes to experience entire sanctification.
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Bishop J. C. Ryle |
J. C. Ryle was Bishop if Liverpool, England from 1890 to 1900. One does not normally associate the teaching of holiness with the Church of England, but Bishop Ryle was an unusual Anglican in that he was evangelical in his outlook and did believe in and teach practical holiness. His perspective on holiness was not from the Wesleyan point of view. His approach in his words: Holiness is essential in salvation. The sinful nature and a holy nature are constantly in conflict throughout the lifetime of the believer, but yet, living without committing sin is a requirement put on us by God. While outside the norm of Wesleyan holiness writings, this is an interesting and valuable work that should be read by all serious students of holiness. There is much with which to disagree, but there is far more that can and should be agreed upon.
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Biblical Foundations for the "Secondness" of Entire Sanctification Frank G. Carver |
Among holiness people there has always been a question as to whether or not entire sanctification is a "second work of grace." Carver relates his personal experience of moving from an inherited theology to biblical knowledge on this question. He establishes a biblical basis for the holiness message and explains that entire sanctification is a faith privilege as opposed to a chronological process. There is a definite "secondness" as the believer moves from the privilege of grace (initial sanctification) to the crisis of faith (entire sanctification).
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Original Sin and Sanctification: A Problem for Wesleyans Vern A. Hannah |
Original sin (inherited sin in Wesleyan terminology) and the eradication view of entire sanctification have been theological difficulties for the Holiness Movement. Hannah here discusses the more Arminian approach to original sin as deprivation rather than depravity. |
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Rev. Beverly Carradine, D.D. |
Published in 1896, Carradine explores the biblical concept of the old man as understood in the Wesleyan-Holiness sense. Written to counteract the influence of the influence of the teachings of Count Zinzendorff that were impacting the Methodist Church and the general holiness movement at this time, Carradine defends the concept of sin remaining in believers after conversion and its eradication through a second work of grace, which he equates with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
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Abiding In Christ and Not Sinning Charles G. Finney |
And article from The Oberlin Evangelist dated 1858. Finney contends that living without committing sin is natural to salvation as in salvation the moral attitude of a person is reversed. To be in Christ is to be out of ourselves. A selfish heart regards itself and its own interests; but to be in Christ he must cease to live and be in himself, he must come to the and to live in Christ.
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The New Creation: The Wesleyan Distinctive Theodore Runyon |
Runyon interprets the concept of the New Creation in the view of John Wesley as expressed in his own writings. This concept has been a focal point of the Holiness Movement, a distinctive, but it has very much value to offer for those that do not consider themselves Wesleyans or holiness. |
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An appraisal of the Keswick and Wesleyan Contemporary Positions W. Ralph Thompson |
This article discusses some of the similarities and differences of two main approaches to the teaching of holiness in modern times. The term "Keswick" may be unfamiliar to many Americans but this doctrinal approach to holiness is common among many Pentecostal denominations. The primary differences between the Wesleyan and Keswick views are the definition of sin and the explanation of what happens in the heart of the sanctified.
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Kenneth Kinghorn, Ph.D. |
We tend to think of sin as things people do. The Bible does not give a precise definition for sin; rather, the concept of sin is gradually revealed through God's dealing with humankind in both the Old and New Testaments. There is and outward aspect of sin and an inward aspect of sin, therefore sin is a tension between the ethical and the objective (legal). Anything in thought, deed, or disposition which disrupts one's relationship with God is sin.
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Characteristics of Wesley's Arminianism Luke L. Keefer, Jr. |
This article is more of scholarly interest than any practical value on the subject of holiness. The reader must be well acquainted with the Calvinistic and Arminian doctrinal positions as the disagreements between the two positions in the eighteenth century are mentioned. Wesley was a staunch believer in universal redemption! Wesley's Arminianism is implicit rather than explicit. He never developed a full-blown Arminian theology but rather addressed the practical issues of a topic as demanded by particular situations. His approach to Arminianism, although inherited from the Church of England, was more pastoral than theological. |
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The False God and Gospel of Moral Government Theology E. Calvin Beisner |
This article deals with the modern concept of Moral Government Theology as represented in the work of Gordon C. Olson. Moral Government Theology (MGT) is not to be confused with the sense of moral government as used in Arminian Theology. Olson's view became the theology of the "Jesus Freaks" of the 1960s. While this article is not on the subject of holiness, it is included here for you information and for warning. A considerable number, especially in the independent Church of God fellowship have fallen into the error is this theology while thinking they were following the principles of Arminian theology.
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Charles G. Finney |
A sermon by Finney originally delivered on May 21, 1845. Finney draws a stark ethical line between what the Bible calls the Old Man and the New Man. Traditional holiness teaching identifies the Old Man with inbred (original) sin but Finney denied any transmission from a sinful nature from generation to generation. In this sense, he was Pelagian. Yet, he speaks of the supreme intention to please self in the same sense as others speak of inbred sin or native depravity. Finney here does not say anything about the work of the Holy Spirit involved in the change from the Old Man to the New man but emphasizes instead the importance of the will of man and his mind. While the sermon is spiritually deficient, it is ethically good and valuable. Sometimes holiness preachers emphasize the work of the Spirit without giving place to the will of man in living a holy life. While we may not agree with Finney's Pelagianism, it is good to be reminded that we must put in to action what God works in us. |
