What Is Sanctifying Grace? | Order of Salvation (Charles Gutenson)

Summary

This video discusses Wesleyan theology, focusing on the concept of sanctifying grace. It explores how prevenient, convicting, and justifying grace lead to transformation, with sanctifying grace enabling believers to live in alignment with God's will. The concept of entire sanctification is examined, clarifying that it doesn't equate to perfection but to a life increasingly free from intentional sin. The speaker also highlights the necessity of both faith and works for salvation, emphasizing that good works are a conditional requirement. The video underscores the importance of sanctification in Christian life and its potential to transform both individuals and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sanctifying grace is the final step in the Wesleyan order of salvation, empowering us to live the life that pleases God.
• 😀 Prevenient grace, convicting grace, and justifying grace all prepare us for sanctification, with sanctifying grace being the transformative grace that shapes us into the image of Christ.
• 😀 Sanctifying grace enables believers to love God with their whole heart and love their neighbors as themselves.
• 😀 Wesley’s view of sanctification is not about achieving perfection in the sense of never making mistakes, but about being empowered to avoid intentional sin.
• 😀 Entire sanctification involves a deep work of grace, transforming believers into people who reflect God’s love through their actions and choices.
• 😀 Wesley did not teach perfection in the sense of becoming angelic but emphasized purification of the will, so we no longer intentionally sin.
• 😀 The debate about whether sanctification is instantaneous or progressive is secondary to the importance of the second work of grace in the Wesleyan tradition.
• 😀 Works are conditionally required for salvation, with the condition being time and opportunity, recognizing that not all people will have the opportunity to do good works before death.
• 😀 Wesley’s doctrine of sanctification emphasizes that living out one’s faith transforms individuals, families, and society, with a ripple effect of holiness.
• 😀 Wesley believed the doctrine of entire sanctification was key to understanding God’s transformative work in believers, which was part of the Methodist movement’s mission.
• 😀 The next generation of believers (ages 19-40) desires to change the world, and the doctrine of sanctification offers the perfect theological foundation to align their passion with faithful Christian living.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is sanctifying grace within the Wesleyan tradition, emphasizing its importance in transforming Christian lives and its role in the order of salvation.

What are the four types of grace discussed in the script?

The four types of grace discussed in the script are prevenient grace, convicting grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace.

How does the speaker define prevenient grace?

Prevenient grace is the grace that God bestows upon us, empowering us to respond to His call and overcoming the worst effects of our depravity.

What role does convicting grace play in the process of salvation?

Convicting grace helps us recognize our sinfulness and need for salvation, leading to repentance and an awareness of our condition before God.

What is justifying grace, according to the script?

Justifying grace is the grace that justifies us and marks the beginning of the serious work of transformation in our lives, although it is not the point where the transformation ends.

What is the significance of sanctifying grace in the Wesleyan order of salvation?

Sanctifying grace is a second work of grace that empowers us to live a transformed life, allowing us to love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves. It is the grace that enables us to live out the life that pleases God.

How does the speaker explain the concept of 'entire sanctification'?

'Entire sanctification' refers to a deeper work of grace that purifies the believer's will, making them capable of loving God and others fully, without intentionally choosing to sin. It does not imply literal perfection but rather a transformation in how we live.

What is the relationship between faith and works in Wesleyan theology, as explained in the script?

In Wesleyan theology, faith is unconditionally required for salvation, while works are conditionally required. Works are expected when the believer has the time and opportunity to perform them, but they are not the means of salvation.

How does sanctification impact society, according to the script?

Sanctification is not just about individual transformation but also about changing society. Wesley believed that the works of a sanctified person can have ripple effects, transforming families, communities, and even entire nations.

What does the speaker suggest about the current state of sanctification teaching in the church?

The speaker suggests that the teaching of sanctification is underemphasized in the modern church, particularly in United Methodism, and that a renewed focus on sanctification is necessary to revitalize the church and its mission.