73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Continuous sanctification
Christian life is a real process of growth in holiness and love.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: The Nazarene tradition teaches that sanctification accompanies the whole Christian life as a process of growth in grace.
How the tradition understands it: The believer is called to mature in character, obedience, love, and likeness to Christ.
Basis and context: The language comes directly from the Wesleyan holiness movement.
Debates and variations: Even where the doctrine of entire sanctification receives more emphasis, progressive sanctification remains essential.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Prayer for complete sanctification.
Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
Content: Paul prays that God may wholly sanctify the faithful and complete his work.
Use in debate: One of the main passages for entire sanctification.
Hebrews 12:14
Call to peace and holiness.
Reference: Hebrews 12:14.
Content: The text exhorts to pursue peace and holiness.
Use in debate: Much used in holiness contexts.
John Wesley, The Scripture Way of Salvation
Central Wesleyan sermon on salvation and sanctification.
Reference: John Wesley, sermon The Scripture Way of Salvation.
Content: Relates repentance, faith, justification, and sanctification in coherent spiritual sequence.
Use in debate: Important source for Nazarene theological heritage.