Scriptural proofs of the principle of regeneration AND sanctification

1. This is seen in Paul's assurance that man's realization of his weakness -- subjective faith -- is a condition of God's impartation to him of His grace and strength: "When I am weak, then am I strong"; "my strength is made perfect in weakness"; "I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me," etc. Here the apostle gives the recognition of His weakness as the condition of His triumph, through divine strength, over self and suffering and sin.
This quote is from "Scriptural Sanctification" by Rev. John R. Brooks, 1899.

Paul shares that we must FIRST and foremost become humble and be aware that of our own strength, we cannot do much of anything. When we first know this, we are usually just starting to turn toward Jesus. We have an "Aha!" and can finally see that we are not the final source of our strength after all. This is step 1. This is the first blessing. Recognition that Jesus Christ is my Savior and I am forgiven.

Step 2 is the natural progression of Step 1. Accepting COMPLETELY that Jesus is my Savior and actually allowing Him to do His work in us. Step 1 is where "growth" in Him occurs. Step 2 is somewhat of an instant process, a "Pentecostal" descending of God's Spirit after the initial decision is made for Jesus.

This is just the beginning of this wonderful, anointed teaching of old that I sincerely believe holds important keys for the Christian church today. This world has virtually taken over even infecting the church with its carnal ways and beliefs. God's truth is true! There is power in God's Word by the implementation of its principles. The Church can be a mighty tower of strength and a mighty testimony in this world...but only if we can go another step. Step 2. And "Be ye perfect even as the heavenly father is perfect."
 
"Paul alludes to this second grace in Rom_5:2. 'By whom also we have access by faith into this grace.' There is an additional grace, and entered upon through another act of faith in Christ. James speaks of it in the words: 'He giveth more [another] grace.' Excellent Greek scholars say that the word in brackets is the proper word of the text. In Heb_9:28 the second work appears again in the words: 'Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.' We know this is claimed to describe the fact of Christ's return to the earth in judgment, but we call the reader's attention to two statements in the verse that destroy that claim. One is that this coming is 'unto salvation,' whereas the last day brings judgment; Christ will come then as a Judge. Again we know at the judgment day 'every eye shall see him,' but the verse quoted declares something different in the words, 'Unto them that look for him shall He appear the second time.' Some regenerated people are not looking for him. The condition of receiving Christ in full salvation or holiness is 'looking.' The disciples 'looked' for ten days, and were not disappointed in Christ's coming. They got that day what they had never obtained before. Their lives proved afterward that they had received the second blessing."

This quote is from "The 2nd Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine, published during the Holiness era, late 19th-early 20th century.

This is just the 2nd post of this wonderful study of 2nd Blessing (or holiness) teaching. That quote covers a few Bible verses attesting to the 2nd blessing available to us all, not just to the disciples at Pentecost. Minister Tony had asked me to tell him where in the Bible the 2nd blessing is mentioned and this thread has been set up to explore that question.

I pray you find it enjoyable and maybe even enlightening. I am planning to share a little as often as I can on this important subject. To those who are intrigued at the thought of a 2nd blessing from God in which He empowers the Christian to be a fabulous witness to the secular world, why not experiment by asking God to reveal to you the truth about it. "God, is it true that you want me to experience more of You while I am living on this earth than I do now?" God bless. RC
 
"Paul alludes to this second grace in Rom_5:2. 'By whom also we have access by faith into this grace.' There is an additional grace, and entered upon through another act of faith in Christ. James speaks of it in the words: 'He giveth more [another] grace.' Excellent Greek scholars say that the word in brackets is the proper word of the text. In Heb_9:28 the second work appears again in the words: 'Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.' We know this is claimed to describe the fact of Christ's return to the earth in judgment, but we call the reader's attention to two statements in the verse that destroy that claim. One is that this coming is 'unto salvation,' whereas the last day brings judgment; Christ will come then as a Judge. Again we know at the judgment day 'every eye shall see him,' but the verse quoted declares something different in the words, 'Unto them that look for him shall He appear the second time.' Some regenerated people are not looking for him. The condition of receiving Christ in full salvation or holiness is 'looking.' The disciples 'looked' for ten days, and were not disappointed in Christ's coming. They got that day what they had never obtained before. Their lives proved afterward that they had received the second blessing."

This quote is from "The 2nd Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine, published during the Holiness era, late 19th-early 20th century.

This is just the 2nd post of this wonderful study of 2nd Blessing (or holiness) teaching. That quote covers a few Bible verses attesting to the 2nd blessing available to us all, not just to the disciples at Pentecost. Minister Tony had asked me to tell him where in the Bible the 2nd blessing is mentioned and this thread has been set up to explore that question.

I pray you find it enjoyable and maybe even enlightening. I am planning to share a little as often as I can on this important subject. To those who are intrigued at the thought of a 2nd blessing from God in which He empowers the Christian to be a fabulous witness to the secular world, why not experiment by asking God to reveal to you the truth about it. "God, is it true that you want me to experience more of You while I am living on this earth than I do now?" God bless. RC

I believe that when i trusted Christ as my savior at that moment I received ALL spriual blessings in Christ.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
 
I believe that when i trusted Christ as my savior at that moment I received ALL spriual blessings in Christ.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Eddie B,
Your statement really got me thinking--in a whole lot of directions, actually. I'll try to sort them out. It IS possible that everything God has for you was received all at once. From my reading, though, it doesn't appear to happen that way for most.

There are multitudes of stories that people shared in the holiness literature I have read and I see no reason that all of them would share false experiences--lie to us. So, assuming they are sharing legitimate experiences with God blessing their lives in a mighty way, if our lives are not similarly blessed right now, why wouldn't we desire it? Why wouldn't we want all God has for us?

The fruit of a sanctified life looks like this: Sanctification seems to be relatively instanteous, a "sudden blessing" like Pentecost was. It's like it falls from Heaven and is a very personal glory. Deep and troublesome carnal personality issues (like a tendency to become angry a lot) disappear in the glory of God's Presence and does not return. Peter, in the Bible, completely lost his cowardice and became a pillar of strength.

God actually gives you His purpose for your life and the miracles needed to achieve it. Your faith in Him goes up many notches on the guage--so to speak--and there is a strong sense of "nothing is impossible with God."

Different stories from a variety of sanctified people of years ago reveal different gifts that were given. One lady, known as Holy Ann, had a terrible temper that completely left her when sanctified and never returned. She never had an education but "supernaturally" learned to read the Bible (but, interestingly, could only read that book--no other reading material made sense to her).

Preachers who received this gift of sanctification seemed to irritate religious authority (boards, meeting leaders, unsanctified pastors) BUT when allowed to hold their meetings in the churches, attracted very large crowds of people with many going to the altars (the mourner's bench) and becoming saved (regenerated) AND sanctified, too. So, it can happen quickly, where you receive the first blessing and then the second...but note the fruit of the second blessing and ask yourself, as I ask myself today, has the second blessing happened for me?

I can't say that it has for me...but, my desire is fairly constant and God knows my heart and I trust (I have faith) that He is going to bestow it upon me one day...when I least expect it. Smile, you are sanctified, Radical Christian.

Just consider, maybe God has more for you. Maybe He will empower you in such a way that all your family will see the truth as Jesus shines in you and become saved and sanctified, too. And, maybe the time of doubting will abruptly come to an end once you are sanctified. Isn't it exciting thinking about how God might greatly bless you because you desire only Him and do not want to dilute His power by becoming focused on this carnal world's activities and distractions any longer?

It won't hurt to "sell everything and buy the field where the treasure is buried". It won't hurt should you want to obtain "the pearl of great price." But, Eddie, like I said earlier, if you've already got ALL of God's blessings now, and you are experiencing the fruit of those blessings (as mentioned above), then praise God. But, if you aren't, then you've got something to look forward to..as do I.

I'm just sharing with the group here what my study of this earlier "classic" Christian literature has revealed to me. I think there's something to it.
 
Eddie B,
Your statement really got me thinking--in a whole lot of directions, actually. I'll try to sort them out. It IS possible that everything God has for you was received all at once. From my reading, though, it doesn't appear to happen that way for most.

There are multitudes of stories that people shared in the holiness literature I have read and I see no reason that all of them would share false experiences--lie to us. So, assuming they are sharing legitimate experiences with God blessing their lives in a mighty way, if our lives are not similarly blessed right now, why wouldn't we desire it? Why wouldn't we want all God has for us?

The fruit of a sanctified life looks like this: Sanctification seems to be relatively instanteous, a "sudden blessing" like Pentecost was. It's like it falls from Heaven and is a very personal glory. Deep and troublesome carnal personality issues (like a tendency to become angry a lot) disappear in the glory of God's Presence and does not return. Peter, in the Bible, completely lost his cowardice and became a pillar of strength.

God actually gives you His purpose for your life and the miracles needed to achieve it. Your faith in Him goes up many notches on the guage--so to speak--and there is a strong sense of "nothing is impossible with God."

Different stories from a variety of sanctified people of years ago reveal different gifts that were given. One lady, known as Holy Ann, had a terrible temper that completely left her when sanctified and never returned. She never had an education but "supernaturally" learned to read the Bible (but, interestingly, could only read that book--no other reading material made sense to her).


Preachers who received this gift of sanctification seemed to irritate religious authority (boards, meeting leaders, unsanctified pastors) BUT when allowed to hold their meetings in the churches, attracted very large crowds of people with many going to the altars (the mourner's bench) and becoming saved (regenerated) AND sanctified, too. So, it can happen quickly, where you receive the first blessing and then the second...but note the fruit of the second blessing and ask yourself, as I ask myself today, has the second blessing happened for me?

I can't say that it has for me...but, my desire is fairly constant and God knows my heart and I trust (I have faith) that He is going to bestow it upon me one day...when I least expect it. Smile, you are sanctified, Radical Christian.

Just consider, maybe God has more for you. Maybe He will empower you in such a way that all your family will see the truth as Jesus shines in you and become saved and sanctified, too. And, maybe the time of doubting will abruptly come to an end once you are sanctified. Isn't it exciting thinking about how God might greatly bless you because you desire only Him and do not want to dilute His power by becoming focused on this carnal world's activities and distractions any longer?

It won't hurt to "sell everything and buy the field where the treasure is buried". It won't hurt should you want to obtain "the pearl of great price." But, Eddie, like I said earlier, if you've already got ALL of God's blessings now, and you are experiencing the fruit of those blessings (as mentioned above), then praise God. But, if you aren't, then you've got something to look forward to..as do I.

I'm just sharing with the group here what my study of this earlier "classic" Christian literature has revealed to me. I think there's something to it.

I think that personal experiences need to be always interpretated by scripture only.
We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit once and receive all spiritual blessings.
Ro 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Ro 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

But their are many fillings of the Spirit to those that are yielded to him.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
Ac 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Ac 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
Ac 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
 
I think that personal experiences need to be always interpretated by scripture only.
We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit once and receive all spiritual blessings.

I'll go with you on that point. Where, in Scripture does it say we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit only once? This thread will be exploring the Scriptural legitimacy of the "double blessing" so stay tuned. I've seen the Scriptural references and they are many. I'll only be divvying them out here a little at a time. However, I love our dialogue so please continue. God bless.
 
"Paul alludes to this second grace in Rom_5:2. 'By whom also we have access by faith into this grace.' There is an additional grace, and entered upon through another act of faith in Christ. James speaks of it in the words: 'He giveth more [another] grace.' Excellent Greek scholars say that the word in brackets is the proper word of the text. In Heb_9:28 the second work appears again in the words: 'Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.' We know this is claimed to describe the fact of Christ's return to the earth in judgment, but we call the reader's attention to two statements in the verse that destroy that claim. One is that this coming is 'unto salvation,' whereas the last day brings judgment; Christ will come then as a Judge. Again we know at the judgment day 'every eye shall see him,' but the verse quoted declares something different in the words, 'Unto them that look for him shall He appear the second time.' Some regenerated people are not looking for him. The condition of receiving Christ in full salvation or holiness is 'looking.' The disciples 'looked' for ten days, and were not disappointed in Christ's coming. They got that day what they had never obtained before. Their lives proved afterward that they had received the second blessing."

Eddie, some Scriptural points are made in this earlier quote from Romans and Hebrews that I'd like you to address. Thanks.
 
Interesting post RC. My problem with this 2nd blessing is that it is put as a separate entity from the cross. Paul when writing to the Corinthians says " Don't you know that you were washed, justified and sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit" 1cor 6 11.

He said this because they were fighting and taking each other to court, but Paul was telling them that they HAD been sanctified and yet they were still very openly sining. As for the reference to Peter. Yes he lost his cowardice at that point, but it seems to have returned later because Paul rebuked him for eating with the gentile christians, and then when the Jewish christians arrived being frightened of their re-action to this. and so removing himself from the gentiles and encouraging others to do the same.

Paul himself was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from pride. It makes me wonder, why this tendancy to pride wasn't removed (like holy ann's temper) if he received this 2nd blessing? Why did he need his 'thorn' to keep him humble?

The crux of sanctification for me can be summed up in Gal 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ. My old man is dead. Jesus on the cross has already done it for us. It is now a matter of being taught by the Holy Spirit to apply to this fact to my life.

I know Wesley took this line and I have the greatest respect for him as a preacher, but this is how I believe God has led me up till now.

As I said, interesting thread RC.
 
I'll go with you on that point. Where, in Scripture does it say we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit only once? This thread will be exploring the Scriptural legitimacy of the "double blessing" so stay tuned. I've seen the Scriptural references and they are many. I'll only be divvying them out here a little at a time. However, I love our dialogue so please continue. God bless.

We are indwelt only once because the Holy Spirit never leaves us, He is with us always.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Where does it say in scripture we get a double blessing?
 
Eddie, some Scriptural points are made in this earlier quote from Romans and Hebrews that I'd like you to address. Thanks.
Rom 5:2 says to me based on rom 5;1 that the grace we received upon faith in Christ we our to continue relying upon that grace to meet our daily needs. You i think maybe look at it as something you must receive again (more grace) I look at as i already have all that i need but must by faith continue in it.
Heb. 9:28 It sounds like your contraindicating yourself and trying to make the scriptures say something they do not say, or you didn't explain yourself clearly or I just an't getting what you are trying to say.
 
Interesting post RC. My problem with this 2nd blessing is that it is put as a separate entity from the cross. Paul when writing to the Corinthians says " Don't you know that you were washed, justified and sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit" 1cor 6 11.

He said this because they were fighting and taking each other to court, but Paul was telling them that they HAD been sanctified and yet they were still very openly sining. As for the reference to Peter. Yes he lost his cowardice at that point, but it seems to have returned later because Paul rebuked him for eating with the gentile christians, and then when the Jewish christians arrived being frightened of their re-action to this. and so removing himself from the gentiles and encouraging others to do the same.

Paul himself was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from pride. It makes me wonder, why this tendancy to pride wasn't removed (like holy ann's temper) if he received this 2nd blessing? Why did he need his 'thorn' to keep him humble?

The crux of sanctification for me can be summed up in Gal 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ. My old man is dead. Jesus on the cross has already done it for us. It is now a matter of being taught by the Holy Spirit to apply to this fact to my life.

I know Wesley took this line and I have the greatest respect for him as a preacher, but this is how I believe God has led me up till now.

As I said, interesting thread RC.

You raise excellent points and fodder for me to think about. One thing I do know. The Christian lives of today COULD show more of Christ and for some reason, they aren't. It appears the secular world is trumping the spiritual world big time. This bothers me. I will continue to share Scriptural references to the 2nd blessing in small doses as I can and appreciate the feedback I get here. "With God, all things are possible."
 
Discussing this with my wife, she used to smoke and had tried prayer and many other techniques to stop and, frankly, couldn't. But, one day God's spirit gave her the gift of tongues and clearly told her that she now had the power to quit when she couldn't before. And she has never had a cigarette since. I truly believe that God will give us "gifts" of His spirit which empowers us to achieve His will (which is ultimately our will, too).

Let's not call this "Christian perfection". On this earth I don't know if "perfection" is possible. But let's continue to call this a "double blessing" because there appears to be additional blessings AFTER the first one of justification (which is a turning from the world and toward Jesus).

After writing the above paragraph, the verse "Be ye perfect even as your Heavenly Father is perfect" came to mind. Since "With God all things are possible" I'd better amend that paragraph with this paragraph's sentiments. God's Word is true. We can hold its ideals ahead of us, like a little child holding a lantern in the dark as he walks. The Word lights the way even as we look around us and see how futile its ideals seem. Jesus also said not to judge by appearances--so our desire, our prayer MUST encompass the ideals presented in God's Word. Even if it doesn't look true, we must lift the lantern (God's light) higher in front of us and trudge faithfully through the darkness, knowing the truth, as a little child.

More Scriptural References to this when I can settle down a little from this weekend activity.
 
The Two Washings of the Leper.
"Let the reader turn to the fourteenth chapter of Lev 14:8-9
and he will be struck with the fact that two washings of the body of the leper were required before God pronounced him clean.


Remember that leprosy is the pronounced type of sin in the Bible. The leper is the sinner. In the eighth verse he is said to wash himself and garments that he might be clean. It is remarkable that while immediately afterward he is allowed to come into the camp, yet God does not say that he is clean. In the ninth verse it is stated that after seven days the man underwent a second washing both of body and clothing. In this verse the following facts appear: First, that there was a second washing or cleansing; next, that there was a distinct interval of time between the two purification's; third, that God did not pronounce the leper clean until after the second cleansing. It was then, and not till then, that the Scripture says: "He shall be clean."

He who can read this passage and fail to be impressed with the significance of the facts stated in it, and that so clearly bring out the two works of grace is little likely to be moved and convinced by anything that he finds in the Word of God. (From "The Second Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine")

There may be times when we read and read God's Word but don't see what is possibly right in front of us. I'm currently not inclined to call the 2nd blessing Christian Perfection because I don't see permanent manifestation of absolute holiness in those who have demonstrated the fruit of this "2nd blessing" but I strongly feel there is additional empowerment for the Christian at his asking for greater blessing than what occurs at Regeneration or Justification. More from Leper in Leviticus follows this post.
 
The Two Washings of the Leprous Garment.

"This appears in Lev 13:58. Let it be remembered that leprosy is the type of sin in the Bible. The garment or robe represents the soul. In Revelation the redeemed are said to have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb." Evidently the human spirit is referred to here. The leprous garment stands then for the sin-stained soul.

This garment had a first washing. It doubtless looked clean, and many no doubt pronounced it so. The first cleansing of the soul by the washing of regeneration has been thought by many to be a perfect purification. But God does not say so. Neither will Christians who have had but one cleansing testify in public that they have pure hearts. This is significant.

At the command of God the leprous garment received a second washing, and then, and not till then, was it pronounced clean. Hear the words of God: "It shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean." How all this must strike a thoughtful person! Certainly it is a most vivid and impressive way of teaching the second work of grace in the soul, followed immediately by the voice of God witnessing its purity. (From "The Second Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine")"

Sometimes, it seems, we need to see something over and over again before we "get it." This leprous section of Leviticus seems to be telling us of a 2nd blessing, with the leper needing to be cleansed, twice...and now his clothes need to be cleansed, twice. Any more doubles here? Yes, next post is about a double anointing.
 
The Two Anointings of the Leper.

The first was with the blood of a lamb. This blood was placed on the right ear, thumb of the right hand, and great toe of the right foot.
The second anointing was with oil. It was placed like the blood upon the ear, thumb, and toe, but in addition to this was poured upon the head.

There was a distinct interval of time between the two transactions in order to punctuate clearly the two great works of God.
It was after the anointing of oil, and not till then, that the leper was declared to be clean.

Every item in this narration is significant. The blood always stands for Christ; the oil always for the Holy Ghost. In regeneration the man's body with its members are given to the service of Christ; the ear, hand, and foot have entered into a new service and are touched with the sign of their new Master and Lord.

In sanctification the oil of holiness is poured upon these same members, and a higher work is thus plainly taught. It was not until the holy oil was placed upon the vessels of the tabernacle that they were called holy. But not only does the oil itself call attention to a different work of grace; but the fact that it was poured upon the head! The anointing of the head emphasizes the fact of something additional and something higher in the spiritual life subsequent to regeneration.

"Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." It always does. It did with the bloodwashed disciples when God poured the oil of sanctification upon them on the day of Pentecost. The anointed head was there. The tongue of lambent flame over each brow declared what had come down upon them. And as a consequence their cups ran over. Let him that doubts their joy read the second chapter of Acts. When the oil is placed upon the blood, and the head and heart anointing takes place, the cup of joy is bound to run over.

The Scripture says that it was AFTER THE ANOINTING OF OIL that the leper was CLEAN.

So it is with the heart once leprous with sin. It is the first work of God to pardon; the second work is to make holy. And when the Holy Ghost descends a second time upon the waiting, believing soul that work is done. The soul cries out in rapture, "I am pure!" the Spirit witnesses, "Thou art sanctified;" and the Book says, "He is clean." "I am"--" thou art"--" he is." This is a part of the spiritual grammar that thrills the soul. What reader of these lines can decline sanctification after this manner? (From "The Second Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine.)

This is the last of today's study of the "double blessing" through the works of the early Christian writers during the Holiness movement. Of course there is much more, but one thing I want to emphasize here: I do not want to "read into" God's Word. There are times when, during my study of this era, some preachers really made mountains of double blessing points from molehills of Scripture. I will not be quoting them. Still, there is enough interesting data from God's Word regarding this "Double Blessing" teaching that I will be stopping here often to share it. And, of course, I am learning too. I truly desire discussion about this--and, should anyone have an experience of sanctification (a wonderful inflowing of God's Spirit that seems to instill you with God's power and strengthens your prayers and fills your heart with joy) this would be the place to share it.
 
The Two Anointings of the Leper.

The first was with the blood of a lamb. This blood was placed on the right ear, thumb of the right hand, and great toe of the right foot.
The second anointing was with oil. It was placed like the blood upon the ear, thumb, and toe, but in addition to this was poured upon the head.

There was a distinct interval of time between the two transactions in order to punctuate clearly the two great works of God.
It was after the anointing of oil, and not till then, that the leper was declared to be clean.

Every item in this narration is significant. The blood always stands for Christ; the oil always for the Holy Ghost. In regeneration the man's body with its members are given to the service of Christ; the ear, hand, and foot have entered into a new service and are touched with the sign of their new Master and Lord.

In sanctification the oil of holiness is poured upon these same members, and a higher work is thus plainly taught. It was not until the holy oil was placed upon the vessels of the tabernacle that they were called holy. But not only does the oil itself call attention to a different work of grace; but the fact that it was poured upon the head! The anointing of the head emphasizes the fact of something additional and something higher in the spiritual life subsequent to regeneration.

"Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." It always does. It did with the bloodwashed disciples when God poured the oil of sanctification upon them on the day of Pentecost. The anointed head was there. The tongue of lambent flame over each brow declared what had come down upon them. And as a consequence their cups ran over. Let him that doubts their joy read the second chapter of Acts. When the oil is placed upon the blood, and the head and heart anointing takes place, the cup of joy is bound to run over.

The Scripture says that it was AFTER THE ANOINTING OF OIL that the leper was CLEAN.

So it is with the heart once leprous with sin. It is the first work of God to pardon; the second work is to make holy. And when the Holy Ghost descends a second time upon the waiting, believing soul that work is done. The soul cries out in rapture, "I am pure!" the Spirit witnesses, "Thou art sanctified;" and the Book says, "He is clean." "I am"--" thou art"--" he is." This is a part of the spiritual grammar that thrills the soul. What reader of these lines can decline sanctification after this manner? (From "The Second Blessing in Symbol" by Beverly Carradine.)

This is the last of today's study of the "double blessing" through the works of the early Christian writers during the Holiness movement. Of course there is much more, but one thing I want to emphasize here: I do not want to "read into" God's Word. There are times when, during my study of this era, some preachers really made mountains of double blessing points from molehills of Scripture. I will not be quoting them. Still, there is enough interesting data from God's Word regarding this "Double Blessing" teaching that I will be stopping here often to share it. And, of course, I am learning too. I truly desire discussion about this--and, should anyone have an experience of sanctification (a wonderful inflowing of God's Spirit that seems to instill you with God's power and strengthens your prayers and fills your heart with joy) this would be the place to share it.
 
I believe the Holy Spirit is always working in me to know Christ in a more real and meaningful way. And it is only when I am yielding to Christs Spirit that i experience Christs life in and through me to others. And every experience I have that is in agreement to the word of God is pleasing to my heavenly Father will be pleasing to me. It is for me to know Christ more and more and is why God has given me the Spirit to know Christ.
 
I believe the Holy Spirit is always working in me to know Christ in a more real and meaningful way. And it is only when I am yielding to Christs Spirit that i experience Christs life in and through me to others. And every experience I have that is in agreement to the word of God is pleasing to my heavenly Father will be pleasing to me. It is for me to know Christ more and more and is why God has given me the Spirit to know Christ.

Eddie,
Thank you. Nothing you have stated is in disagreement with the double blessing. The fullness of Christ is our goal. If some are not living to the fullest, then I pray that they know Christ in a greater way. It is possible for people to languish THIS side of the Jordan and not enter the Promised Land because of fear of the "giants". This thread is merely stating that, perhaps, some of us are not experiencing Christ in this greater way. If you are, then praise God. I, however, do not feel I've come to know the Lord as well as I could. Thanks for all your responses and I look forward to more.
 
Eddie,
Thank you. Nothing you have stated is in disagreement with the double blessing. The fullness of Christ is our goal. If some are not living to the fullest, then I pray that they know Christ in a greater way. It is possible for people to languish THIS side of the Jordan and not enter the Promised Land because of fear of the "giants". This thread is merely stating that, perhaps, some of us are not experiencing Christ in this greater way. If you are, then praise God. I, however, do not feel I've come to know the Lord as well as I could. Thanks for all your responses and I look forward to more.
Glad that response was a blessing as it was intended to be. I know we come from a little different perspective of the double blessing and i want to try and share in the common faith we have in Christ Jesus and not always if possible argue about are differences.
 
R>C. It is obvious from your posts, that you are truly seeking God's holiness in your life, and not just some exciting experience which gives you a good feeling.

I have written of how He has shown me. I believe that he knows the best way for everyone to come to this knowledge and that we cannot judge how He works in someone else's life.

If we ask according to His will we know He will answer. It is His will that we do become like Jesus, and I believe that He will answer the longings of your heart. God Bless
 
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