What is Entire Sanctification? Text: I Thessalonians 5: 23 – 24 Thesis: “Come near to God and He will come near to you”. James 4:8 I. Entire Sanctification is a work of grace that follows Salvation. “Sinners confess their sins and are saved, believers consecrate their lives and are Sanctified.” Dr. A.E. Sanner A. After salvation, (justification, regeneration & adoption) the apostle Paul challenges Christians to be Sanctified. 1. Ten times in I Thessalonians Paul refers to his listeners as “brothers”, emphasizing they are already born-again believers. II. Entire Sanctification is an intentional setting aside of oneself to be used for God. “The verb sanctify, from hagiazo, means both to separate from things profane and dedicate to God, and also to purify (both externally, and internally by a reformation of the soul.’’ Beacon Bible Commentary A. The Christian consecrates “and the God of peace sanctifies” (vs.22) III. Entire Sanctification is “perfect love” or “Christian perfection”. A. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12: 30-31 B. The Believer is empowered for greater works of service. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8: With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2: 40 - 41 IV. Entire Sanctification is not Glorification A. Glorification will not come until heaven. B. To be sanctified does not mean one is made morally perfect. V. Entire Sanctification “is the whole soul and body being kept blameless (complete) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (vs.23 b) | 