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Randy Buchanan | PentecostalTheology.com
The AG does not teach entire sanctification at the moment of salvation.
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church’s Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
For those who won’t open the link:
SANCTIFICATION & HOLINESS
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church’s Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
What is the Assemblies of God belief about sanctification, and how does it differ from other churches?
The basic idea of sanctification is that of separation or setting apart. In the Bible the words sanctification and holiness are interchangeable. At the time a person receives Christ, he is sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11), which means he has been separated from his past life of sin and is now dedicated to God. From Scripture we find that the Holy Spirit is the One who sanctifies (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2).
We believe the Bible is clear in teaching that Christians should continue living a life separated from sin and dedicated to God because, as the apostle Paul tells us, this is His will for them (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). We call this the progressive aspect of sanctification. The Scriptures speak of it in a variety of ways, such as growing in grace (2 Peter 3:14) and being gradually transformed spiritually (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The purpose of the sanctification process is that believers might become more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Christians may not attain absolute perfection in this life, they are expected to make every effort to live a holy life, because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Some churches teach that sanctification is a one-time experience that takes place after a person has become a Christian, at which time he is made perfect. The Assemblies of God teaches that sanctification takes place at the moment of salvation and then progresses as the believer continues to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching. The official delineation of this position is found in Statement of Fundamental Truths, Section 9.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
Randy Buchanan
For those who won’t open the link:
SANCTIFICATION & HOLINESS
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church’s Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
What is the Assemblies of God belief about sanctification, and how does it differ from other churches?
The basic idea of sanctification is that of separation or setting apart. In the Bible the words sanctification and holiness are interchangeable. At the time a person receives Christ, he is sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11), which means he has been separated from his past life of sin and is now dedicated to God. From Scripture we find that the Holy Spirit is the One who sanctifies (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2).
We believe the Bible is clear in teaching that Christians should continue living a life separated from sin and dedicated to God because, as the apostle Paul tells us, this is His will for them (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). We call this the progressive aspect of sanctification. The Scriptures speak of it in a variety of ways, such as growing in grace (2 Peter 3:14) and being gradually transformed spiritually (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The purpose of the sanctification process is that believers might become more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Christians may not attain absolute perfection in this life, they are expected to make every effort to live a holy life, because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Some churches teach that sanctification is a one-time experience that takes place after a person has become a Christian, at which time he is made perfect. The Assemblies of God teaches that sanctification takes place at the moment of salvation and then progresses as the believer continues to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching. The official delineation of this position is found in Statement of Fundamental Truths, Section 9.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
Varnel Watson
So in your opinion, AG teaches that unsanctified person can be filled with the Holy Spirit? Can God abide in unclean temple in your opinion? That would be yet another liberal claim without much substantial evidence
Varnel Watson
Terry Wiles Here is one more theological nonsense this time by Randy Buchanan all while AG teaches cleansing new believers from all spiritual filthiness…
The Ezekiel passage speaks about cleansing new believers from all spiritual filthiness and replacing their heart of stone with a “new heart” and a “heart of flesh.” This takes place as a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will enable them to live in obedience to God’s decrees and laws. The promise predicts the New Testament teaching about regeneration. Jesus spoke of the need to be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5,8) and Paul, echoing Ezekiel’s prophecy, says that God “saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The result is an altered lifestyle made possible by the indwelling Spirit. https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Baptism-in-the-Holy-Spirit
Randy Buchanan
Varnel Watson
Randy Buchanan Here is how AG actually answers your question on entire sanctification (that you still cant answer) from the link you gave us
When an individual is seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, can anything be done to prepare his life or environment that will quicken the infilling?
(3) Confess any known sins in your life and resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help.
You dont have to call it entire sanctification if you dont like the term 🙂
https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Holy-Spirit-Baptism-Frequently-Asked-Questions
Herrnhut Morton
That is not ES as the Cleveland people would understand it. I think the AG is too weak on the issue as well.
Varnel Watson
One thing is for sure AG declares the believer has to be delivered and prepared post salvation before receiving the Holy Ghost. You can call “tomahto” or “tomayto”
Terry Wiles
Troy Day. You are totally not understanding and instead misstating the AG position just like no one in the COGCT can explain theirs. Lol
Varnel Watson
Terry Wiles You seem to make these claims but then back off and never defend them Why dont you explain what this AG statement means then:
“When an individual is seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, can anything be done to prepare his life or environment that will quicken the infilling?
(3) Confess any known sins in your life and resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help. ”
Specifically the statement: “Resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help.”
Terry Wiles
Troy Day. It cannot be explained to you as long as you filter information through the impossible to understand 2nd or 3rd definite work of grace you call full sanctification which is the Pentecostal spin on a John Wesleyan/Nazarene theory of perfection in this life. As in the COG group it’s an defining doctrine that nobody can explain but the old timers know it when they see it.
The AG position, as I have heard it presented, is separation from sin and separation to God which is progressive thoughout life as we follow God.
That, however, does not prohibit a poor lost sinner from being saved from sin and filled with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit virtually simultaneously as evidenced in the book of Acts.
Varnel Watson
Well you and I cant explain, but AG surely can. They are actually making it a rule for their members. And here is how they answer it – with entire sanctification and cleansing new believers from all spiritual filthiness…
The Ezekiel passage speaks about cleansing new believers from all spiritual filthiness and replacing their heart of stone with a “new heart” and a “heart of flesh.” This takes place as a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will enable them to live in obedience to God’s decrees and laws. The promise predicts the New Testament teaching about regeneration. Jesus spoke of the need to be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5,8) and Paul, echoing Ezekiel’s prophecy, says that God “saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The result is an altered lifestyle made possible by the indwelling Spirit. https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Baptism-in-the-Holy-Spirit
Terry Wiles
You will have to ask them about that. In my opinion you are misstating their belief.
Varnel Watson
Why such a harsh accusation as misstating when I am simply copy/pasting from AG website. I did not write or state that. A copy paste is not misstating. Is it possible you are not aware of AG teachings? Here it is again BAPTISM in the a very definete proof clean heart is a prerequisite for a BAPTISM in the HOLY SPIRIT
ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY IN SESSION AUGUST 9-11, 2010 https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Baptism-in-the-Holy-Spirit
Terry Wiles
It comes down to your interpretation of it. Here is from the AG WEBSITE…. their interpretation of it.
https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Sanctification-and-Holiness
Varnel Watson
Terry Wiles Please give us your interpretation then Here is from the AG WEBSITE.
The Ezekiel passage speaks about cleansing new believers from all spiritual filthiness and replacing their heart of stone with a “new heart” and a “heart of flesh.” This takes place as a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will enable them to live in obedience to God’s decrees and laws. The promise predicts the New Testament teaching about regeneration. Jesus spoke of the need to be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5,8) and Paul, echoing Ezekiel’s prophecy, says that God “saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The result is an altered lifestyle made possible by the indwelling Spirit.
https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Baptism-in-the-Holy-Spirit
Varnel Watson
Here is my conclusion since it is obvious that Assemblies of God believe God requires a clean heart before
BAPTISM in the HOLY SPIRIT
as ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY IN SESSION AUGUST 9-11, 2010 https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Baptism-in-the-Holy-Spirit
AND further AG states
When an individual is seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, can anything be done to prepare his life or environment that will quicken the infilling?
(3) Confess any known sins in your life and resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help.
https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Holy-Spirit-Baptism-Frequently-Asked-Questions
I can only conclude Terry Wiles and Randy Buchanan are not current on AG current teachings and familiar enough to discuss them openly. I am not able to find any other reason to explain the open denial of what is clearly written on AG website as quoted above. No other explanation really remains…
Terry Wiles
Here is their conclusion which is very different from yours.
https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Sanctification-and-Holiness
Varnel Watson
Hey Terry Wiles Randy Buchanan I must ask again Please do not avoid the question this time How do you explain this AG statement from their website?
When an individual is seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, can anything be done to prepare his life or environment that will quicken the infilling?
(3) Confess any known sins in your life and resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help.
Varnel Watson
More specifically Terry Wiles Randy Buchanan What exactly means to resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help? How is this accomplished in a practical sense in the believer’s life? Why AG places it after salvation and as a prerequisite for Holy Ghost baptism?
Varnel Watson
I still feel this proves entire sanctification for our AG Terry Wiles
Varnel Watson
Roger Lewis ?
Joe Absher
h”With God’s help” I think means drawing our strength wisdom grace comfort and righteousness from God by faith in Jesus Chris.
Varnel Watson
How can a person receive the Holy Ghost if NOT fully sanctified? Would light abide along with darkness?
Roger Lewis
Yet, I’ve always been taught that being used in a Gift of the Spirit is not a gauge of spirituality, but rather availability. I don’t see where perfection is ever required to receive gifts.
Ray E Horton
Troy Day We need to see here the clear distinction between spirit and soul. Spirit,our identity, is instantly, fully sanctified at salvation. Soul (mind, will, emotions) sanctification is a process. Sanctification is not a prerequisite but the result of receiving the Holy Ghost at salvation. Light abides in our pure spirit, even though there is some darkness still in our soul as our minds are gradually renewed. This distinction clears up a lot of theological confusion that many believers have. Then, the Holy Spirit can come upon us for power since, being saved, our spirits, who we are, are purified, even while it is still being worked out in our soul.
Joe Absher
If you have a dirty mind and and filthy mouth your spirit is not pure or sanctified it is defiled
Ray E Horton
Joe Absher No, that is your soul.
Varnel Watson
Ray E Horton HOW can the Holy Spirit enter an unsanctified heart?
Ray E Horton
Troy Day Did you see my answer above? It is all in understanding the distinction between spirit (our identity – who we are) and soul (our mind, will and emotions). Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our human spirit, perfecting it when we put our trust in Him. Our unsanctified souls, which are in progress, are not where He dwells, but He wants to influence our growth through our spirits to our souls.
Varnel Watson
here James Hail