Understanding Complete Sanctification: Attaining Spiritual Maturity

Complete sanctification, also known as Christian perfectionism, is a doctrine that suggests the possibility of complete freedom from sin for Christians in this life. This concept has been debated for centuries, with diverse perspectives and interpretations. In this article, we will delve into the arguments for and against the doctrine, explore the biblical perspective, and discuss its implications for Christian living.

Arguments for Complete Sanctification

Biblical Commands: Proponents argue that Christ's command to "be perfect" (Matthew 5:48) and John's assertion that "no one who abides in Him sins" (1 John 3:6) imply a state of sinlessness is possible. They believe that if sinlessness were unattainable, God's commands would be impossible to fulfill.

Progressive Sanctification: The process of growth in holiness (progressive sanctification) is seen as leading ultimately to a state of complete sanctification. As believers live in fellowship with God and obey the Holy Spirit, they can overcome sinful tendencies and attain a state of purity.

Arguments Against Complete Sanctification

Pervasiveness of Sin: Opponents contend that sin is deeply rooted in human nature and cannot be fully eradicated on earth. They cite verses such as 1 John 2:1, which states that "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves," and 1 John 1:8, which acknowledges that "if we say we are without sin, we lie."

Ongoing Struggle: Scripture recognizes that Christians will continue to struggle with sin and need ongoing cleansing. 1 John 1:9 states that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Biblical Perspective

While Scripture emphasizes the importance of holiness and sanctification, it does not explicitly teach that complete sanctification is attainable in this life. It acknowledges that Christians will make progress in holiness but will not reach perfection until they enter heaven.

Implications for Christian Life

Encouragement: The doctrine of complete sanctification can provide hope and encouragement to believers, reminding them that they can overcome sinful habits and grow in holiness.

Humility: It also fosters humility by recognizing that believers are not yet perfect and need to rely on God's grace and forgiveness.

Discernment: The doctrine encourages believers to be honest with themselves and others about their ongoing struggles and to seek ongoing cleansing.

The doctrine of complete sanctification remains a controversial topic with differing viewpoints among Christians. While some believe it is possible to live sinlessly in this life, others maintain that sinfulness persists until heaven. Ultimately, believers are called to pursue holiness and grow in fellowship with God, recognizing both the progress they have made and the ongoing need for cleansing and forgiveness.

What is entire sanctification?

Entire sanctification is a Christian doctrine that asserts that believers can attain a state of holiness where they are free from sin in this life.

How is entire sanctification different from positional and progressive sanctification?

Positional sanctification refers to the formal declaration of holiness that believers receive when they believe in Christ, while progressive sanctification refers to the ongoing growth in holiness that believers experience as they live in fellowship with God and obey the Holy Spirit.

What are some arguments in favor of entire sanctification?

Proponents of entire sanctification argue that it is possible to live without sin, citing verses like Matthew 5:48 ("Be perfect") and 1 John 3:6 ("No one who abides in Him sins"). They believe that if we cannot attain sinlessness, then God's commands would be impossible to fulfill.

What are some arguments against entire sanctification?

Opponents of entire sanctification contend that sin is pervasive and cannot be fully eradicated on earth. They point to 1 John 2:1 and 1 John 1:8, which state that Christians still sin and that anyone who claims to be sinless is deceiving themselves.

What does the Bible say about entire sanctification?

While Scripture emphasizes holiness and sanctification as goals for believers, it does not explicitly teach that entire sanctification is attainable in this life. It recognizes that Christians will continue to struggle with sin and need ongoing cleansing (1 John 1:9).

How does the doctrine of entire sanctification impact Christian living?

The doctrine of entire sanctification can impact Christian living in several ways:

• Encouragement: It provides hope that believers can make progress in holiness and overcome sinful tendencies.
• Humility: It reminds believers that they are not yet perfect and need to seek God's forgiveness and rely on his grace.
• Discernment: It encourages believers to be honest with themselves and others about their ongoing struggle with sin.