73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Practical holiness and life transformation
Spiritual experience should produce moral change, devotion, and Christian discipline.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Practical holiness indicates that conversion, the filling of the Spirit, and a life of prayer should result in transformation of behavior, character, and habits.
How the tradition understands it: Many Pentecostal traditions inherited from holiness movements a strong emphasis on godly living, separation from sin, devotional discipline, and coherent public witness. The degree of rigor in customs and habits varies considerably.
Textual basis and context: Galatians 5, 1 Peter 1, and Romans 12 are frequently invoked texts.
Historical context: This emphasis was especially strong in classical Pentecostalism and in many popular contexts of the twentieth century.
Common objections: Critics speak out when holiness codes turn into legalism, excessive communal control, or focus only on external signs.
Internal variations: Churches differ widely in the discipline of customs, in the understanding of sanctification, and in the weight of communal rules.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
1 Peter 1:15-16
Call to holiness.
Reference: 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Content: The text calls believers to be holy in all their conduct.
Use in debate: It is used in Pentecostal traditions to support a consecrated life and disciplined ethics.
Galatians 5:22-25
Fruit of the Spirit and life in the Spirit.
Reference: Galatians 5:22-25.
Content: Paul presents the fruit of the Spirit as the mark of a transformed life.
Use in debate: It is important for relating charismatic experience to character and practical holiness.
Romans 12:1-2
Transformation of the mind and rational worship.
Reference: Romans 12:1-2.
Content: Paul calls the faithful to offer their bodies and to renew their minds.
Use in debate: It is used in teaching on sanctification and the practical transformation of life.