The Holiness Message

[Elihu]

Four key concepts of the Holiness Movement are (1) regeneration by grace through faith; (2) entire sanctification as a second definite work of grace, received by faith, through grace, and accomplished by the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit;(3) the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Spirit; (4) living a holy life.

When viewing these four keys two things are immediately apparent.

First, Oneness adherants no longer view living a holy life as a subsequent experience to salvation. Instead there is now a push to include certain aspects of "holiness" separation as essential for salvation.

In other words, obedience to Acts 2:38 is no longer enough. Non-essentials such as abstinence from make-up, jewelry, shorts, and pants on women are now considered core doctrine by the majority of ministers in the largest Oneness organization, the United Pentecostal Church.


Second, Oneness Pentecostals owe the very existence of their separation message to earlier Methodists, specifically Wesley. This is ironic considering that most Oneness Pentecostals believe they have a monopoly on the concept of holiness and separation. In fact, the Nazarenes and other groups hold to many of the same beliefs.

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by Brett Prince

Who cares what the Wikipedia definition is?

Brother, this is the second time in as many days that you have been less than kind in your posts directed at me. Is there a problem?

You should care because there would be no Oneness movement without the Wesleyan Holiness movement.

Perhaps you could post some substance of your own regarding the concept of holiness?

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Brett Prince

Who cares what the Wikipedia definition is?

Wikipedia wasn't trying to give a definition. It was more a history of the holiness movement.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

When viewing these four keys two things are immediately apparent.

First, Oneness adherants no longer view living a holy life as a subsequent experience to salvation. Instead there is now a push to include certain aspects of "holiness" separation as essential for salvation.

In other words, obedience to Acts 2:38 is no longer enough. Non-essentials such as abstenince from make-up, jewelry, shorts, and pants on women are now considered core doctrine by the majority of ministers in the largest Oneness organization, the United Pentecostal Church.


Second, Oneness Pentecostals owe the very existence of their separation message to earlier Methodists, specifically Wesley. This is ironic considering that most Oneness Pentecostals believe they have a monopoly on the concept of holiness and separation. In fact, the Nazarenes and other groups hold to many of the same beliefs.

Excellent...good to see someone who has done their research!

Blessings, Rhoni

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by Rico

Wikipedia wasn't trying to give a definition. It was more a history of the holiness movement.

Thank you Rico.

This is the history of our holiness/separation ideals. There is no denying it. Our own authors and founding fathers came from that movement.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

When viewing these four keys two things are immediately apparent.

First, Oneness adherants no longer view living a holy life as a subsequent experience to salvation. Instead there is now a push to include certain aspects of "holiness" separation as essential for salvation.

In other words, obedience to Acts 2:38 is no longer enough. Non-essentials such as abstinence from make-up, jewelry, shorts, and pants on women are now considered core doctrine by the majority of ministers in the largest Oneness organization, the United Pentecostal Church.


Second, Oneness Pentecostals owe the very existence of their separation message to earlier Methodists, specifically Wesley. This is ironic considering that most Oneness Pentecostals believe they have a monopoly on the concept of holiness and separation. In fact, the Nazarenes and other groups hold to many of the same beliefs.

Having become acquainted recently with Bible Methodists, I can concur that they exemplify an outward look and manner which would put many of 'us' to shame.

[Rico]

Here are some of the definitions I found for holiness, according to Strong's.




consecration, purification, moral purity, sanctification of heart and life

I have a bone to pick with Shamalagar. He did not return my last pm. :_

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by Rico

Here are some of the definitions I found for holiness, according to Strong's.

consecration, purification, moral purity, sanctification of heart and life

Rico, it is my opinion that what IS biblical holiness is something altogether different than that which we call our "holiness message".

Biblical holiness implies a separation unto God. Consider the following rudimentary analogy...

You walk into the grocery store and peruse the aisles, selecting the items you want or need. As you select these items you place them in your cart. At this point they are "set apart" for you alone. You pay the price for these items and they become yours alone.

In the same way, any person who experiences the New Birth is "separated" unto God. He selects us and pays the price for us. We are made holy simply by our newfound relationship and proximity to Him. In time we will conform to his preferences and will.

Far too often, we confuse the concepts of holiness and righteousness. Holiness can only be imputed by God. We can only become holy through proximity to Jesus, not through any works we may do. Righteousness is different altogether. There is a righteousness which is imputed by God, and a righteousness that we strive to attain. The righteousness we strive to attain is best defined as "right-living". Even with our best intentions and life choices our righteousness is considered "filthy rags" by the Lord.

In summary, sanctification, righteousness, and holiness can only be accomplished by a sovereign work of the Spirit, and not by works of man.

The ultimate goal of every Christian should be a close proximity to a Holy God.

[RandyWayne]

The righteousness we strive to attain is best defined as "right-living".

The Golden Rule

(And before someone says "He who has the gold makes the rules", I did not mean that! Just thought I would head the inevitable comment off at the pass.)