Wesleyan Life

Holy Living

By Dr. Ronald D. Kelly

“Wesleyan” because of a church you attend? Or are you called Wesleyan because of the truth you believe? In an age of creeping universalism (one way or another, everyone is going to heaven), God has set a different standard: holy living. Leviticus 11:44 says, “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” Holiness is something we seek actively and continually because it is God’s will for us.

Pure in Heart

When God called Abraham to leave his home and set out for the Promised Land (Gen. 12:1), He called him to model holiness by living above the standard of the surrounding culture. Jesus Christ reaffirmed this lifestyle in Matthew 5:8, when He reminded us that the “pure in heart . . . will see God.” When Christ prayed for His disciples (John 17:17, 19), He prayed that they would be “sanctified” (that is, set apart for holy use). Why do some Christians struggle to live a life of spiritual wholeness (holiness)?

Carnal Nature

All followers of Jesus Christ begin their journey with a determination to grow in the faith. But it isn’t very long before they come to a spiritual speed bump—a point at which they have to deal with something that hinders growth in their walk with Christ (Rom. 7:21–23). The problem is as old as the first man, Adam, but as fresh as today’s inner struggle: original sin (Rom. 5:12). We are born with a spiritual DNA that includes a tendency to live by self-law and self-strength rather than God’s (called a carnal, or sinful, nature, Rom. 8:5–8). Spiritual maturity and positive response to God come to a grinding halt when self rules.

Now or Later?

Many churches believe that original sin remains in a person after he or she is spiritually reborn. And many recognize that something must be done to deal with the tendency toward sin. While many believe it is a process that is finalized only in heaven, Wesleyans believe that original sin (the carnal nature) can be dealt with in the present (on earth), and that we can have victory over sin in our daily lives (1 John 1:7).

Entire Sanctification

We believe God has provided a solution through what Christ did on Calvary (Heb. 9:14). The theological term for that solution is “entire sanctification.” Wesleyans believe that once we are convicted (inwardly convinced) of our need, and admit that our solution comes from God alone (Eph. 4:12–14), we can make a definitive (entire) surrender of self and selfishness to God (Rom. 12:1–2). We believe that in response to our asking in faith, God will do a second spiritual work of grace in us through the power of the Holy Spirit, cleansing our heart of the limitations of original sin (Acts 15:8–9) and allowing us the freedom to love and serve Him with joyful obedience (Gal. 5:22–23). Wesleyans believe this is more than an article of religion; we believe it is a way of life!

- Ronald D. Kelly is General Secretary and General Editor for The Wesleyan Church.

This article is from Wesleyan Life Magazine, which is published quarterly.The current issue,not yet online has an excellent article on the leadership of Women in the Church. As Wesleyans, we were the first to ordain women and African-Americans and admit them to our colleges and universities. Pick up the current issue from the table in the foyer, or go online: Click here