The Holiness Movement: Christianity Applied

The Holiness Movement emerged in the 19th century as a spiritual renewal emphasizing entire sanctification and Christian perfection.

Origins and Development

Originating in the United States in the 1840s and 1850s, the movement built upon John Wesley's teaching of entire sanctification, viewing salvation as a path from rebellion to perfect love. It involves two crises: conversion, which frees from past sins, and entire sanctification (the second work of grace), which liberates from the moral nature that causes sin.

The movement gained momentum through Phoebe Palmer's Tuesday Meetings in New York City, where believers sought and testified to sanctification. Her teachings emphasized faith and consecration rather than waiting for emotional experiences. By the late 19th century, it had spread globally, giving rise to various denominations.

Core Beliefs

At the heart of Holiness theology is the belief that God enables believers to live holy lives through entire sanctification—a decisive work of grace purifying the heart from selfishness and filling it with perfect love. It emphasizes the dual nature of salvation: justification addresses guilt through faith in Christ, while sanctification addresses sin's pollution through the Holy Spirit's cleansing work.

We all could live closer to Christ than we are

Holiness teachings stress Holy Spirit empowerment for service, equipping believers with spiritual gifts for victorious living. Biblical passages such as Matthew 5:48, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and 1 John 4:17 support these teachings, which balance personal piety with social justice

Practical Application

While total eradication of sin is not possible for earth-bound humans, sanctified individuals can counteract sin through victorious living by the Holy Spirit with disciplined thought, word, and actions. This involves putting to death fleshly desires, reckoning ourselves dead to sin (Rom 6:11-14; Col 3:5).

Sanctification is progressive spiritual growth

Willful sin should not characterize a Christian's life, but sin still affects us through reactions and attitudes, requiring ongoing repentance. Sin's seriousness—costing Christ's death and condemning non-believers—demands continual conscience cleansing through Christ's blood. Contemporary Holiness denominations maintain these principles while engaging modern issues, establishing hospitals, schools, and social service agencies worldwide.

Reflection and Application:

The Holiness Movement's emphasis on personal holiness challenges us to consider our commitment to God.
The balance between personal piety and social engagement offers a model for holistic Christian discipleship.
Historical development demonstrates how biblical interpretation shapes church practice and identity.

Holiness theology's emphasis on both inward transformation and outward service provides a comprehensive framework for Christian mission in contemporary society.