Wesleyan Reading (#11): Sanctification

WORSHIP LEADER: We believe that sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, separating the believer from sin and setting them apart unto God.

CONGREGATION: It is God’s will that you should be sanctified. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

WORSHIP LEADER: Sanctification begins at the instant of justification, regeneration, and adoption. From that point, we grow daily in grace and holiness.

CONGREGATION: The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18)

WORSHIP LEADER: This progressive sanctification leads to a deeper obedience and prepares the heart for a greater work of grace.

CONGREGATION: Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

WORSHIP LEADER: We believe in entire sanctification, a work of God’s grace wrought in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit.

CONGREGATION: I appeal to you… present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. (Romans 12:1)

WORSHIP LEADER: In entire sanctification, the heart is cleansed from inbred sin, perfected in love, and empowered for holy living and effective service.

CONGREGATION: May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept blameless. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

WORSHIP LEADER: Yet sanctification does not end there. It continues as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

CONGREGATION: We all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

WORSHIP LEADER: This life of holiness is sustained by faith in Christ’s sanctifying blood and expressed in loving obedience to God's will.

CONGREGATION: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

WORSHIP LEADER: Thanks be to God, who calls us not only to forgiveness, but to holiness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

EVERYONE: Amen.