ALONE WITH GOD     

SALVATION TWO-FOLD

Yes , Bible salvation is two-fold or in two steps. The reason for the two steps is that sin exist in the human heart (soul) in distinct forms. Sinful acts that we have committed after reaching the age of accountability and indwelling sin within our nature that we inherited from Adam. This inherited unrighteousness nature is what led us all into committing sin in the first place, and will lead us back into sin if not taken care of.

SANCTIFICATION A CLEANSING

This depraved nature still remains in the heart of the justified believer, but is purified when one is sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost which is the second step in salvation. Plus we received additional power in this second work of grace. Therefore those who have not went on to receive this second experience of cleansing and power, are many times up and down in their experience; hence will tend to doubt the possibility of sinless living. We have already given scriptures that all mankind has this depraved nature "from the womb" or "as soon as he is born". Our own life experience will bear this out also, when we think back to our childhood. We were not taught to lie or to be rebellious etc., but we just did those things naturally. That this nature remains in the heart even after regeneration and needs to be cleansed, is taught through many many scriptures. In John 15:1-2, Jesus teaches a second cleansing under the figure of a vine, for only regenerated people are branches, or are in Christ. These needs to be purged. The disciples were "born of God" (John 1:11-13)were "not of this world" (Jn 17:6,9,14,16) "preached the gospel" (Mk 6:7,12,13)their names "were written in heaven" (Luke 10:20)

Yet prior to Pentecost (when they received the Holy Ghost) they displayed a depraved or carnal nature. One example of this was that there was strife among them over which should be counted the greatest (Luke 22:24) The Corinthian brethren also had some among them that were yet carnal (see I Cor 3:1-3).

This second cleansing or second step in salvation is termed sanctification or entire sanctification. Sanctification has many meanings. Among them it means a setting apart for a sacred purpose and to make holy or free from sin, to cleanse or purify.

HOLY GHOST IS SANCTIFIER

Rom 15:16 teaches we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Then Acts 15:8-9 will teach us that when the Holy Spirit is received He purifies the heart by faith. Purifying the heart, of course is a cleansing.

SECOND CLEANSING IN TYPE

Proof of a second cleansing is also shown through Old Testament happenings, rites, ordinances, etc. that were divinely designed to symbolize and predict New Testament truths to be fulfilled in the gospel day. The Israelites being under bondage of Egypt is a type of being under the bondage of sin in our day, the gospel dispensation. Crossing the Red Sea is a type of the first cleansing in our salvation and crossing the Jordan a type of the second cleansing; Canaan being a type of our experience of sanctification.

SANCTIFICATION FOR ALL BELIEVERS

Sanctification is the basic element of the plan of salvation, as God hath...chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. (2 Thess 2:13) It is his will for all believers(1 Thess 4:3) and of course Christ prayed for our sanctification in the 17th chapter of John.

HOW TO OBTAIN SANCTIFICATION

Rom 12:1 tells us how to obtain this experience. I bessech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. This is more than a mere dedication; this is so fully consecrate oneself to God they sacrifice or completely die out to themselves.

RESULTS OF SANCTIFICATION

This second work of grace is like the first work in that it is a complete and instantenous work of grace. This baptism of the Holy Ghost supplies boldness to witness and additional power to resist temptation, yet does not put us beyond temptation, for it does not remove humanity, just carnality. This experience perfects our holiness and completes our salvation. This is the experience that is necessary to enable us to keep our salvation and to equip us to learn the truth of God's word and will, for the Holy Ghost is the "spirit of truth" and He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13)

SPEAKING IN TONGUES NOT EVIDENCE

This speaking of being filled with the Holy Ghost will not cause one to do things uncontrollable or unseemly. Like the new birth, it is received by faith. Evidence we have it is thru the witness within our spirit and a power that enables us to live a consistent holy life. At no place does the scripture state that speaking in tongues is the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31 and 8:15 tells of believers who received the Holy Ghost, but there is no mention of anyone speaking in tongues. Paul teaches us in 1 Cor 12:29-30 that all do not speak in tongue.

MEANING OF TONGUES

First of all the word "tongues" means language, whether we consult the Bible or the dictionary. It does not mean an unintelligible jargon of some kind. The gift of tongues is the gift of divine ability to speak an intelligent understandable language not previously learned. There are three examples of this in the Bible.

1. On the day of Pentecost the "tongues" the apostles spoke were understandable language for Acts 2:6 says.....every man heard them speak in his own language

2. Then in Acts 10th chapter, Cornelius and his household spoke in tongues as a sign to convince the Jews that the Gentiles were also accepted by God. Verse 46 teaches that the tongue they spoke was an understandable language for they know they were "magnifying God".

3. Then the tongue spoken of by the twelve at Ephesus in Acts the 19th chapter was also an understandable language for verse 6 inform us they knew they were "prophesying".

In Bible days different language are spoken every 20 to 40 miles. Ephesus was to become a missionary center, which is no doubt why the gift of language was imparted there. Again we point out that "tongues" means intelligent, understandable languages. "Prayer language" or "heavenly language" may be popular terms in certain religious circle, but they are not found in the Bible. Even "unknown" tongues is not in the original Greek text. In the King James version "unknown tongue" is used six times all in 1 Cor. 14th chapter. The word "unknown" always appears in italics, and all words printed in italics in the KJV have been added by the translator. Italicized words in most books are used for emphasis but in the Bible italics are used to designate the words supplied by the translator.

The word "unknown" does not mean unknowable, but rather it means foreign to the listener. In 1 Cor chapter 14, Paul is not talking about a supposed "prayer language" known only to God. Paul is dealing with a language problem unique with the church of God at Corinth. Individuals were praying, getting up to exhort, testifying, etc. that did not speak the local language. Paul is instructing them that regardless of how many different languages they may be able to speak, if they did not speak the local language or someone interpret for them, they(the speaker) would be the only one edified; as the church would not be edified if the church did not understand what was spoken. He points out the absurdity of speaking when others can not understand and to seek gifts that would edify the church. He also explains the purpose of the gift of tongues and allows foreigners their freedom, if done in avoidance of confusion with order and decency. This chapter also teaches us that God is not the author of confusion. Jabbering unintelligible sounds is certainly no evidence one has the Holy Ghost. Flagrant sinners have been known to speak in what is called unknown tongues. Even certain heathen religious ceremonies practice speaking in unknown tongues. The "power" that enables them to do this is supernatural, but not of God.