Is there a deeper work of grace?
Salvation is such a wonderful and miraculous experience, that you may think that this is all that God can do, and wants to do for you (, ). However, you will soon realize that there is something in your heart that is not fully yielded to God’s will and plan for your life (). This struggle or resistance is the indicator of the “root” cause of sin in your life.
When Christ forgave your sins, the tree of sinful “fruits” was cut down, but the “stump” is still there. This “stump” is called the carnal (sinful) nature (). If it is not removed, you will soon see “sprouts” of sin in your life. Not only will it cause you to return to sin, but this “stump” of your self-will makes it utterly impossible for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit—which is the will of God, and His plan for all His children (, ).
When this “stump” is removed, you will experience the full blessing and power of God’s Spirit in your daily walk towards Heaven (). You will no longer struggle with inner feelings of anger and revenge, pride and self-will, envy and jealousy, and other characteristics of this “stump” that once produced sinful actions in your life. This second miraculous work of God is the promised inheritance for His children in this life—and it is called Sanctification or Holiness (, ). The Scripture describes it as a second baptism ()—with the Holy Ghost and with fire, cleansing or purifying of the heart, and filling with His divine love and power (). In an instant, God will empower you to daily live a holy life and be a witness that will lead others to Him ().
It will take the Holy Spirit to reveal this “root” of sin that is in your heart. The heart is more deceitful than anything else in the world (). If your carnal heart is not thoroughly dealt with by God, it is a cancer that will destroy your Christian walk so tragically, that you may never recover from it. Only He can reveal to you your sinful heart, and bring you to such a necessary purifying and transforming event. Paul spoke of this “carnal” heart as being programmed to do what a Christian should not do, and powerless to always do what he knows is right (). Is there a deliverance from this powerful slave driver and controlling monster in your heart? Paul answers: “I thank God! Yes, through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
How to Get Sanctified
Here is how you can receive a holy heart:
Confession
Confession is the first necessary step towards having your heart cleansed from this sinful nature (). Jesus said that sin starts in the heart (). Admit to God the “root” of sin on the inside that caused the outward actions or “fruits” of sin in your life. Selfishness, anger and strife, rebellion to God’s will, pride, hatred, jealousy and many more, are all characteristics of this root and nature of sin that we are born with. You must be honest and tell God about these sinful desires or tendencies in your heart. When the prophet, Isaiah, witnessed the holy presence of God, he realized his inner wickedness; but when he willingly confessed it, God purified his heart from all its iniquity (). Do as Jacob did when the Angel asked what his name was (which revealed his deceptive character), and you too can experience a real heart change; from a deceiver—to a “Prince” with God.
Crucifixion
Crucifixion is a killing of these sinful desires (). This nature is like a dictator who demands your submission and loyalty—rather than completely yielding to God’s authority (). You must take sides against this nature, and rebel against its rule. You must reject and put to death any sinful desire that might try to cause you to resist God’s complete and unconditional authority in your life (). You must place all of these “carnal” tendencies on the altar for God to burn up and utterly destroy ().
Consecration
Consecration is a complete surrender to God of anything good that you have, or ever will have; your possessions, popularity, abilities, and your future plans. Paul begged: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (). Everything that you have must be dedicated and surrendered for God’s use—forever (). A complete surrendering to God will bring you to the final surrender of your faith and confidence in God (). When you have reached the place that you can fully trust Him to cleanse your heart and fill you with His promised power, you will soon be a happy receiver of the gift of His Holy Spirit (, ).
Confirmation
Prayerfully continue to seek after God in believing expectation, waiting until He gives you the full assurance that He has indeed cleansed your heart in response to your faith (). His cleansing and filling happens at that moment when your faith takes hold of Him and His promises (). Your salvation was unquestionable when you believed His promises and He confirmed that you were forgiven; and He will assure you of His baptism with the Holy Ghost and with fire—leaving you certain that you are sanctified holy (, , ).
Are you ready to confess your need of heart cleansing, and place your carnal nature on the cross for crucifixion? Will you willingly make a full consecration and unconditional surrender of your all to God? Without experiencing this second work of God’s grace in your heart, you will certainly return to sin just like the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt when they would not believe Him to bring them into the promised land of Canaan (, ).
Today, if you will hear His call to holiness, you can know the promised power of the Holy Ghost—making you free from sin, indeed! (, , )
Once you have been sanctified, you will no longer have the sinful nature on the inside drawing you back into sin or resisting God’s will for you. The Holy Spirit will control your life, and guide your steps. He will help you to live a holy life and be a testimony of God’s power to others. However, your salvation and sanctification are only a foundation; He has designed that you grow into a beautiful building that brings glory to Him. Peter encouraged sanctified believers to “grow in grace” (, ). Walking with God only gets better and better!
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.