Conclusion: The Area of Sanctification

The thesis of our book is that there are three major phases of redemption. We have termed the first phase, salvation ; the second phase, sanctification ; and the third phase, conquest.

Salvation is the means of our preservation during the Day of Judgment. Sanctification is the program whereby we attain righteousness, holiness, and the purpose of God for our life. Conquest also is a means by which we attain the purpose of God for our life; but conquest is so important it blends into the purpose itself.

We are being specific with the terms salvation, sanctification, and conquest. Our purpose in being specific and analytical is to point out some important issues of redemption. The Scriptures are not as specific in the use of these three terms, particularly in the use of the term salvation. Salvation is employed to indicate all areas of the work of Christ from our first acceptance of the atoning blood to the redemption of our body.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (I Timothy 4:16)

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:5)

By examining the context of I Peter 1:5 we can define "salvation," as it is used here, as the incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that is reserved in Heaven for us.

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)

The Book of Hebrews speaks of the danger of neglecting salvation (2:3). In the context of Hebrews, neglecting salvation means much more than not accepting the atonement made on the cross. Neglecting salvation in this context means failing to press on to the fullness of the glory of the heirs of salvation, to the fullness of the promised-land rest of God.

We have set forth the preceding passages to indicate that our use of the term salvation is for study purposes only and is not intended to establish a doctrinal position. It is helpful to remember that salvation is past (at Calvary), is taking place in our lives now, and is yet to come with the appearing from Heaven of the Lord Jesus. The term salvation is used in the Scriptures to mean the broad, perfect, and complete plan of redemption.

In discussing the first and second phases of redemption, our use of many scriptural types and examples and our interpretation of them are not intended to be rigid. All scriptural types and examples apply to every aspect of redemption: to salvation, to sanctification, and to conquest.

The grace of God is like fine needlework that is so skillfully and intricately fashioned that it is impossible to separate the infinitely detailed strands and patterns. The Word of God, the body and blood of Christ, and the Holy Spirit are so pounded together into every atom of God's saints as to be indistinguishable and inseparable.

Our scheme of analysis is useful only as it is liberating and leads us to Jesus but must never become a hindrance to fuller revelation and mature understanding in the Spirit of God. Manna is for the day but the end is Christ Himself.

We have been saved—preserved in the Day of Wrath. We have accepted the variety of operations of the Holy Spirit in the school called sanctification. Let us now go on to explore the area of conquest.

Perfect conquest is oneness with Christ in God. Oneness with Christ in God is both the means and the end of redemption.

In salvation we die to the world and are raised into newness of life in Christ. In sanctification we die to the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We are raised into the power and liberty of resurrection life in the Holy Spirit.

In conquest we die to our will and self-fulfillment. We are raised into the Fire of God's own Person. We abide eternally in the everlasting Fire of His Being and are fire of that holy Fire; gold of that pure Gold.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

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