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The Declaration of Faith of the Church of God states: In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.
What is the result of sanctification? Having a standard of living, holiness. Up to 1948 there was not an experiential sanctification.
Naturally it was sought through altar pleading with contrite hearts and repenting. It was a dedication of ones self leading to concentrated obedience. It was through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost. It did not produce a good feeling in the heart but a confident commitment to a standard of living.
In the Declaration of Faith which still stands (as a monument to the past) the result of sanctification was living a standard of holiness. It was seen and observed in total living. When a person was born again he had to make the step of sanctification. It was an immediate state, instantaneous and entire. I am saved and have gone on to sanctification!
When the ministers made their monthly reports of the number of people saved and the number of sanctified people. It was a number either equal to the number saved or the number filled with the Holy Ghost! From 1948 to the 60’s the message of sanctification was lost to all but a few.
When I went to Lee College (University of Lee) I was taught an experiential sanctification without ever mentioning holiness as a standard of living but was 1) assurance of God’s love 2) peace of conscience 3) joy in the Holy Ghost 4) increase of grace 5) perseverance unto the end. I had to memorize this and it was on a test.
These were the benefits that flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification. Sanctification was now NOT definite, immediate and instantaneous rather it was a salvation process that never ends till the final perseverance. It is a continual experience that progresses and it is a work in the heart.
The natural outcome of this was to adopt a new practical teaching that moved from being externally based to being internalized into a state of emotionalism from the heart.
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