Wisdom of the Ages: 1898

Wisdom of the Ages: The Pentecostal Herald

January 19, 1898

Rev. W.E. Arnold, Office Editor and Business Manager of “The Pentecostal Herald”

“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 3:18.

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This is not in opposition to entire sanctification.  Sanctified people should grow in grace.  They certainly believe in growth as much as those who do not believe in instantaneous sanctification.

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Faith may be weak or strong; love may be feeble or great; the principle of virtue may exist in different degrees.  So with love of truth, of right, of justice.  Growth in grace is the strengthening and development of these principles.

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Entire sanctification is the destruction of the temper.  Growth in grace is the increase of love.  Entire sanctification subtracts from, growth adds to.  Entire sanctification empties out the evil; growth in grace brings in and establishes the good.

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Growth in grace results in the development and increase of the positive traits of a holy character.  Entire sanctification is total destruction of carnal and sinful propensities of the heart.  These are essentially different processes, but in no sense antagonistic.

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A man may love his family.  He would die for them, yet he may have an ungovernable temper, which, when aroused, may cause him to say harsh and cruel things to his wife and children, or at least to feel as he ought not toward them.  He soon repents, and is heartily ashamed of his outburst.  Increased love for his family does not destroy his temper, yet every one knows that this must be destroyed before he is a perfect husband or father.