The Holiness movement refers to a set of beliefs and practices within Christianity that emerged in the 19th century. The movement emphasizes the need for believers to pursue personal holiness and sanctification after conversion. Some key aspects of the Holiness movement include:
- A focus on the doctrine of sanctification – the process of being made holy after salvation. There is a belief that we should strive for perfection and freedom from voluntary sin.
- An emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live holy lives.
- Practices such as abstaining from worldly amusements, following a modest dress code, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
- Teaching the possibility of “entire sanctification” – reaching a state of sinless perfection in this life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- A reliance on divine healing and belief in the continuation of New Testament spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues.
The Holiness movement emerged within Methodism in the early 1800s, influenced by John Wesley’s teachings on Christian perfection. Several new denominations arose out of the movement in the mid to late 1800s, including:
- The Christian and Missionary Alliance
- The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)
- The Church of the Nazarene
- The Free Methodist Church
- The Salvation Army
- Some “come-outer” groups that left mainstream denominations
These groups placed a strong emphasis on Holiness standards and the pursuit of sanctified living. They promoted practices like avoiding worldly entertainment, fashion, and vices. Their worship services often incorporated emotive preaching, altar calls, testimonies, and lively hymn singing.
In addition to entire denominations that aligned with the Holiness movement, the teachings also influenced individuals and groups within mainline Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches. Many “Holiness camps” emerged where annual revivals and camp meetings would be held to promote sanctification.
Prominent evangelist preachers and writers helped spread Holiness beliefs, including Phoebe Palmer, Charles Finney, and Dwight L. Moody. Palmer promoted the “altar theology,” encouraging people to seek sanctification at church altars.
Today, the influence of the 19th-century Holiness movement can still be seen in how it shaped certain denominations. The Church of the Nazarene, for example, maintains its emphasis on sanctification as a second definite work of grace after conversion. Their articles of faith affirm the belief that Christians can be cleansed from all voluntary sin and filled with perfect love in this life.
Within evangelicalism, some of the charismatic movement’s teachings on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit also have parallels to the Holiness movement. Books like Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline have helped revive interest in personal holiness among modern evangelicals.
While entire sanctification is not universally agreed upon among evangelicals today, the Holiness movement has had an enduring influence. It served as a counter to overly intellectual faith, reviving interest in the Holy Spirit’s work in empowering believers to live holy lives. The call to pursue Christian perfection and turn from worldliness remains an important emphasis within Christian spirituality.
Core Beliefs
Here are some of the core beliefs of the Holiness movement:
Salvation and Sanctification
The Holiness movement makes a distinction between salvation (justification) and sanctification. Salvation is the forgiveness of sins and being declared righteous before God. Sanctification is the process of spiritual growth and being made holy after conversion.
Holiness groups believe sanctification is more than just a gradual process, but can be an instantaneous experience through the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit. This brings freedom from voluntary sin and empowerment to live a holy life.
Christian Perfection
Holiness adherents believe in the possibility of attaining sinless perfection, or entire sanctification. Through surrender and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, Christians can have every sinful tendency destroyed and live a life completely obedient to God.
This doctrine comes from passages like Matthew 5:48, where Jesus tells his followers “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The view is that we can be made perfect in love, motive, and purpose even if not perfect in knowledge or judgment.
Second Blessing
Sanctification is seen as a definite second work of grace, separate from and following justification (the first work of grace). After conversion, Holiness Christians believe you must seek out entire sanctification which delivers from the power of sin.
This “second blessing” perfects the believer in love and empowers them to serve God. It is to be received by faith, not by works. Wesley described it as having the mind of Christ and walking as He walked.
Divine Healing
Most Holiness groups believe that physical healing is provided for all in Christ’s atonement. They teach that God desires to heal and is capable of healing anyone with enough faith. Medicine may be used, but God is looked to as the source of healing.
This divine healing perspective comes from passages like Isaiah 53:5 and James 5:14-16 which refer to Christ’s sufferings securing healing for us. Faith, prayer, and anointing of oil are key for receiving healing.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Holiness movement affirms that spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and divine healing are still in operation today. The baptism of the Holy Spirit provides the power to exercise these gifts for ministry.
This contrasts some other traditions that teach certain miraculous gifts ceased with the apostles or completion of the Bible. Holiness groups believe spiritual gifts will be present and essential for living the sanctified life.
Practices and Lifestyle Standards
In pursuit of holy living, the Holiness movement adopted various practices and lifestyle standards including:
Simplicity and Modesty
Holiness adherents try to follow principles of simplicity, modesty, and temperance in their appearance and lifestyle. This is based on teachings to not conform to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:2).
In terms of dress, modesty entails avoiding fashionable or elaborate clothing and expensive jewelry. Hair and makeup should also not draw undue attention. Lifestyle focuses on living simply without excess.
Nonconformity to the World
Christians are called to live lives separate from worldly values and practices. Holiness groups avoid activities seen as promoting worldliness like drinking alcohol, smoking, dancing, gambling, oath-taking, and membership in secret societies.
Things like theater, popular music, literature, and entertainment are exercised with caution to avoid immoral content. Followers attempt to consciously live by God’s standards, not the world’s values.
Pacifism and Social Concern
Most traditional Holiness denominations adhere to pacifism based on Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence and loving enemies. They refrain from military service and war. Holiness groups also promote social reform efforts and philanthropy.
A key aim is spreading scriptural holiness across society. This includes concerns for the poor, immigrants, prisoners, education, and other social justice issues to create “redemption and lift” for the world.
Evangelism and Missions
Spreading the message of holiness fuelled an emphasis on evangelism and missions within the movement. Conversion and entire sanctification prepare people for evangelism. Missions aim to convert unbelievers and promote holiness and service.
Domestic and foreign missionary work has been a high priority. That includes street preaching, revival meetings, distribution of gospel literature, poverty relief, and starting churches, schools, and other ministries.
Key Figures
Some noteworthy figures that influenced the Holiness movement include:
John Wesley
Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught Christian perfection as attainable in this life. His writings and sermons laid the groundwork for the Holiness movement’s core teaching of sanctification by faith.
Charles Finney
The famous 19th century revivalist preacher Charles Finney promoted Wesley’s doctrine of holiness. His revivals encouraged seekers to receive an experience of sanctification that empowered holy living.
Phoebe Palmer
Palmer was an influential evangelist and author who promoted the “altar theology” and instantaneous sanctification. She influenced many in the Methodist church to seek holiness.
William Booth
As founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth prescribed abstinence from sinful practices and service to the poor as part of the sanctified life. His Army became a major force of the Holiness movement.
A.B. Simpson
Albert Benjamin Simpson founded the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination. He organized conferences that helped spread Wesleyan Holiness ideas through the “Fourfold Gospel”: Christ as savior, sanctifier, healer, and coming king.
These are just a few of the key figures that promoted Holiness theology and impacted how it was lived out. Their teachings and writings continue to influence those seeking a deeper experience of sanctification.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Holiness movement has faced various criticisms and controversies including:
It Leads to Spiritual Pride
Some argue the pursuit of sinless perfection leads to self-righteousness and spiritual pride. Those claiming a state of entire sanctification might view themselves as living on a higher spiritual plane than other Christians.
However, proponents note sanctification is received by grace through faith alone. Human effort cannot achieve sinless perfection, only the Holy Spirit’s cleansing can.
It Breeds Legalism
The rules and lifestyle standards associated with the Holiness movement are said to breed legalism. Such strict outward expectations of conduct can lead to adherents being judgmental of others and trusting in their own works.
On the other hand, advocates argue their principles come from scriptural commands, not human invention. Rules help promote godliness but are not viewed as a means of salvation.
Physical Healing Theology
The view that Christians should experience supernatural physical healing has led some to feel disillusioned or lacking in faith if serious illness persists. Critics say miraculous gifts were unique to the early church.
Those supporting divine healing affirm God still heals supernaturally, though not everyone receives expected healing. Faith does not negate the use of medical treatment.
It Promotes Emotionalism
Seeking intense spiritual experiences has opened the Holiness movement to accusations of emotionalism. Worship deemed excessively lively or altar call techniques could manipulate emotions.
But adherents believe spiritual zeal alone does not make something emotionalism. Expressing authentic joy, testimony, and spiritual gifts may appear emotional but have scriptural precedent.
While these controversies persist, the Holiness movement also prompted deeper study of biblical holiness. Their legacy continues through those seeking Christ-honoring lives empowered by the Holy Spirit.