Some may ask, "Was any one ever saved by two works of grace?" In this chapter we shall give some clear examples of those who have been thus saved.
The Disciples
Some hold and teach that they were not converted until Pentecost; and there are still others who teach that they were both justified and sanctified before that time. These are some of the positions men are driven to when they oppose two works of grace. Now, "to the law and to the testimony." Were the disciples regenerated or fully converted before Pentecost ? The Word clearly in the affirmative.
1st. Christ, in his personal ministry, possessed justifying power and forgave sins In Luke 7:37-50 we have an account of a woman who "was a sinner." She came to Jesus weeping; "and he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." "Thy faith hath sayed thee: go in peace." He told the Pharisee at whose house he was dining, "her sins which are many, are forgiven." "And they that sat at meat with him, began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?"
Again, Matt. 9:2-6. "Jesus, seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Jesus spake these words, that they might "know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."
Now, if Christ pardoned others, it follows conclusively that his disciples who forsook all and followed him, were pardoned. His invitation was to "all ye that labor and are heavy laden;" with the promise, "I will give you rest." The disciples had received this rest. When Jesus asked them whether they also would forsake him, "Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."
2nd. They "believed on him." "And his disciples believed on him."-John 2:11. "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." -John 6:69.
(1). What are the promises to men if they believe? "He that believeth . . . shall be saved."-Mark 16:16. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."-Acts 16:31. "Whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."-Acts 10:43. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."-John 3:16.
(2) What effect is produced when men believe? "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God." -1 John 5:1. "He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself.-1 John 5:10. "All that believe are justified."-Acts 13:39. "He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life."-John 3:36. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.-John 1:12, 13.
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." The disciples were "born of God," had their "sins remitted," were "justified," had the "witness" of the Spirit, were the "sons of God"- all before Pentecost. So says the Word. "Let God be true, and every man a liar."
3rd. They were regenerated. "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me in the regeneration," etc.-Matt. 19:28.
Regeneration.-New birth by the grace of God; that change by which the will and natural enmity of man to God and his law are subdued, and a principle of supreme love to God and his law, or holy affections, is implanted in the heart.-Webster.
4th. Their names were in heaven. "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."-Luke 10:20. The fact that their names were written in the "book of life" in heaven, is positive proof that their sins were forgiven , and that they were living without sin; for God hath said, "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."-Ex. 32:33.
5th. They had the Spirit of God. "When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: . . . for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaketh in you."-Matt. 10:20. Possessing the divine Spirit, and God being their Father, positive evidence that they were born of God.
6th. Christ ordained them, and sent them forth to preach the Gospel. He gave them the following commission and authority: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." Strange that these were sinners! but nay. They were "sheep in the midst of wolves." Matt. 10:1-6.
7th. They received his word. "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me: and they have kept thy word."-John 17:6. "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them."-Ver. 8. "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."-James 1:21.
8th. They were not of the world. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."-John 17:14. "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost."-Ver. 12.
9th. They were in Christ. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches."-John 15:4, 5.
1. How do men get in Christ?
(1) They are created in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:8-10.
(2) They are reconciled in Christ. Eph. 2:14-16.
(3) They are baptized by the Spirit into Christ. 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
(4) They are grafted into Christ. Rom. 11:24.
2. What is their experience?
(1) They are new creatures. 2 Cor. 5:17.
(2) They have no condemnation. Rom. 8:1.
(3) They live without committing sin. 1 John 3:6.
We have given sufficient proof to convince any reasonable mind that the disciples were fully converted before Pentecost. But what do false teachers bring forth against this extensive line of truth?
10th. An objection considered. Christ's remark to Peter-"When thou art converted" (Luke 22:32)-is set up as proof that the conversion of the disciples was yet future. Let us briefly consider this text and its connection. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."
We have the following facts set forth:
(1) That Peter did not belong to Satan, from the fact that Satan desired to have him, that he might sift him as wheat. Satan would not desire to sift his own.
(2) Peter had faith; for Jesus prayed that his faith might not fail when assaulted by the enemy. (In fact, Peter's faith did not fail, but his courage.)
(3) Peter understood that Jesus meant that at some future time Satan would overcome him and turn him away from Christ: and because of his close attachment to Jesus, and trusting in his own strength, he was surprised, and said, "I am ready to go with thee both unto prison, and to death."
(4) Jesus told him that he would fall by denying him; but said, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." "When once thou hast turned again, stablish thy brethren."-Revised Version. "When thou hast recovered thyself, confirm thy brethren."-Campbell. "When you recover yourself, confirm your brothers."-Sawyer.
(This clearly proves that Peter's conversion here referred to, was his restoration after he fell.) We read that after he denied Christ he remembered these words and "went out and wept bitterly." After his resurrection, Jesus put Peter to a test as follows: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." This was repeated thrice. It proves that Peter was restored to the favor of God. It is therefore an indisputable fact that the disciples were fully justified before Pentecost, and even before the crucifixion. It is also a fact that Christ directed their minds forward to another great moral change, even sanctification, as follows.
11th. Entire sanctification to be experienced in the future. Carnality was manifest in their lives by ambition. (Mark 9:33, 34), by resentment (Luke 9:51-56), and by fear (Luke 8:23-25; Matt. 26:56; 1 John 4:18.) Jesus prayed thus for them: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." -John 17:17, 19. Here we see that their sanctification was yet future.
Some may ask, "In what sense did Christ sanctify himself?" By his suffering, shedding of blood, and death, a legal sanctification, he became invested with power and authority to fully save mankind. He was made perfect as our Savior. Read Heb. 2:10; Heb. 5:8, 9.
Christ promised his disciples "another Comforter"- the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit-"whom the world cannot receive ;" who was to "teach them all things," and "guide them into all truth." John 14:15-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13, 14. He also promised a "fullness of joy," to be received and experienced in the future. John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13. This all related to their entire sanctification. Before his ascension, he told them to return to Jerusalem and there "tarry" until they should receive the "baptism of the Holy Ghost," and "be endued with power from on high." Read Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4, 5, 8. It having been prayed for, promised, and commanded by the Lord, we shall now prove that
12th. The disciples received a second experience of saving grace. In obedience to the command of Jesus, "they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God."-Luke 24:52, 53. Surely this was not a meeting of the unconverted.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."--Acts 2:1-4. "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." -Rom. 15:16. "He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us."-Heb. 10:14, 15. Here we see that the disciples were sanctified and made perfect subsequent to their regeneration. This experience was not received by a gradual growth, but "suddenly."
By closely comparing their lives after Pentecost, with that recorded before, it will be apparent to all that a great moral change was wrought in them at that time. Instead of envying one another, and desiring to be greatest, as before, they now submitted to each other and were of ''one heart and of one soul." Instead of the man-fearing spirit which so often troubled them, they now "spake the word of God with boldness," fearing not the face of man.
Some teach that this experience was for the disciples alone; but we read that God hath "put no difference between us and them."-Acts 15:9. And again, "The promise [of the Holy Ghost] is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."-Acts 2:38, 39.
The Samaritans
Their conversion. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. ... When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."-Acts 8:5-8, 12. Surely no one will deny that a great revival took place, which resulted in many souls being converted to God.
1. They "received the word of God."-Ver. 14. "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."-James 1:21. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."-Psa. 19:7.
2. They "gave heed" to the things which Philip spoke.
3. "They believed." "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God."-1 John 5:1. "All that believe are justified."-Acts 13:39.
4. As a result of their conversion, there was "great joy" in that city.
5. These converts "were baptized, both men and women."
THEIR SANCTIFICATION. "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.... Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."- Acts 8:14-17. "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."- Rom. 15:16. "He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us."-Heb. 10 14, 15.
The Ephesians (Acts19:1-6)
WERE JUSTIFIED. "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"-Ver. 1, 2.
1. They were "disciples." Let us see what it implies to be a disciple. "Whosoever cloth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hash, he cannot be my disciple."-Luke 14:27, 33. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."-John 8:31. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another."-John 13:35. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."-John 15:8.
2. They "believed." Hence they were born of God (John 5:1)-were justified (Acts 13:39). Having proved that these Ephesians were clearly justified when Paul came to them, we shall now prove that they were wholly sanctified after his coming.
THEIR SANCTIFICATION. After Paul gave them proper instruction, and baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus, he "laid his hands upon them, [and] the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."-Ver. 6. About eight years later, Paul wrote a letter to these brethren, in which he testifies as follows: "After that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." Eph. 1:13.
Cornelius the Centurion. (Acts 10th chapter)
Was justified, before Peter came to him.
1. He was a "devout man."-Ver. 2. "A pious man." Sawyer.
Devout.- - "Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer; pious; devoted to religion; righteous."-Webster. "Religious awe and piety: to worship, to adore God."-R o b i s o n ' s Lexicon. It is said that there is no word in the English language that ascribes a more full and intense religious character, than the word "devout."
2. He "feared God with all his house."-Ver. 2. "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil."-Prov. 8:13. "By the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil."-Prov. 16:6. "God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."-Acts 10:34,35. "It shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him."-Eccl. 8:12. "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. ... Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." -Psa. 128:1-4. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."-Psa. 34:7. "O fear the Lord, ye his saints."-Psa. 34:9.
What a beautiful wreath of heavenly truth! The man who reads the above scriptures, and says that Cornelius and his household were in an unconverted state when Peter came to them, simply presumes to make God a liar, and exposes his utter blindness.
3. He was "a just man."-Ver. 22. "A man, righteous."-Young. "The way of the just is uprightness."- Isa. 26:7. "Such as are upright in their way are his delight." -Prov. 11:20. "He blesseth the habitation of the just." Prov. 3:33. "Just persons . . . need no repentance."- Luke 15.7. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."- Prov. 4:18.
4. His prayer was heard. It is said that Cornelius "gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."-Ver. 2. Surely his life was an example, even to many who profess holiness today. He "prayed to God alway." Neither were his prayers dry and lifeless; for the angel said to him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."-Ver. 4. "Thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God."-Ver. 31.
"His prayers were heard" and were held in remembrance in the sight of God. Reader, consider this. Was he a sinner? Let the Word answer. "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."-John 9:31. "The Lord is far from the wicked: but heareth the prayer of the righteous."-Prov. 15:29.
This chain of testimony so clearly establishes the fact that Cornelius was a justified man when Peter came to him, that there is no appeal from it. We will next notice that he received a second experience of saving grace when Peter came.
HIS ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION. Let it be remembered that we are saved by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius had experienced the "washing of regeneration," but had not yet received the "renovation" or baptism of the Holy Ghost- had not received the "fullness" promised to all believers. See Acts 11:13-16. For this purpose Peter was sent for, who, when he came, expounded the way of salvation more perfectly: and "while Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision, which believed, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."-Ver. 44-48. "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."-Rom. 15:16.
Paul
Paul at one time was an enemy to the religion of Jesus Christ. He was "a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious." Referring to this time he testifies that he was the "chief of sinners." He says, "Beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it ;" "but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." At one time he received "letters" from the high priest to go to Damascus, and bring all the men and women he could find "of this way" bound to Jerusalem. So he started on his mission of persecution.
His Conversion. Just prior to this time, he had consented to the death of Stephen. He had listened to that sermon before the council, which cut them all to the heart. He stood by and saw them stone to death that holy man-full of the Holy Ghost. He heard his burning testimony that he saw "the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God;" and his sweet prayer when dying-"Lord, lay not this sin to their charge."
Surely this made some impression upon the mind of Paul: and as he journeyed along towards Damascus, no doubt these recent events were flying through his mind. It looks clear to me, that as he pondered these things over, conviction began to seize hold of him. But let that be as it may, when he had almost reached Damascus, "suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven; and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes" thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes". It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"-Acts 9:1-6.
Some hold that this was only conviction; but such reasoning we maintain is not sound. The moment Paul discovered his position and condition, he threw down his arms of rebellion, and fully surrendered himself to the Lord, saying, "What wilt thou have me to do?" This undoubtedly brought the pardoning grace to his soul. Here he became "Brother Saul." The "glory" of the light that shone in his heart and round about him blinded his eyes. Acts 22:11.
Another proof of his conversion is that he here received his call and commission to preach the gospel of salvation to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they might receive the forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified," etc.- Acts 26:16-18. Would God give such an important call and commission to one who was yet unsaved? Preposterous.
His Sanctification. Just three days after Paul was converted, a good man by the name of Ananias entered into the house where he was stopping, "and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and befilled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales."-Acts 9:17, 18. Paul here received the Holy Ghost; i. e., was sanctified. "Then Saul (who also is called Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him."-Acts 13:9. Paul was converted and sanctified in A. D. 35. We will now place Paul on the witness stand and hear his testimony.
A. D. 54. "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe."-1 Thess. 2:10.
A. D. 58. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."- Gal. 2:20.
A. D. 59. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."-1 Cor. 11:1.
A. D. 60. "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."-Acts 23:1. Reader, can you say that? But listen further. "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men."-Acts 24:16. "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"-Rom. 6:2. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified," etc.-Rom. 6:6. Here Paul testifies that he was "dead to sin" and did not live any longer therein; namely, did not practice or commit sin. This is why he "always" had a good conscience. He also testified that his "old man"-carnal nature-was crucified, dead.
A. D. 64. "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded."-Phil. 3:15. Here Paul testified to the experience of perfection. This experience he received when sanctified. Heb. 10:14, 15. Having such an experience, what was Paul's hope in the future? Ans.-"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain . . . having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ: which is far better."-Phil. 1:21-23. We will now hear his last testimony before leaving the world.
A.D. 66 "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day."-2 Tim. 4:6-8.
Paul's life was truly a pattern of Bible holiness. Yet in the face of all this testimony, men have the audacity to say that Paul was a miserable sinner all the days of his life. And most holiness fighters today refer to Paul for proof that we cannot be made pure in this life. Such generally refer to Romans, 7th chapter, and apply it as Paul's present experience when addressing the Roman brethren. In this, they wrest the scriptures to their own destruction.
"Ye are not under the law, but under grace" was the subject Paul was teaching. It seems that some of the churches had trouble on this line, and some, through false teachers, were made to believe that it was still necessary "to keep the law of Moses." Paul desired the Roman brethren to be established on this point, and in order to more fully settle this truth in their minds and hearts, he contrasts full salvation under the gospel-the dispensation of divine grace-with a sinning law experience. In Romans 6th chapter, Paul sets forth the standard of full salvation under the gospel. He shows that it is a state and experience where men are "dead to" and "freed from" sin, a state where they serve God in "holiness" and "righteousness."
Please lay down this book and read the sixth chapter carefully. Now in the seventh chapter he sets forth justification under the law. In the first verse he says, "I speak to them that know the law." What law is here referred to? Ans.-The ten commandment law, or the law of Moses- the abolished code. Proof-Ver. 2 to 7. So whatever experience is here referred to, it is to those "who know the law," those "under the law." And thank God we are "delivered from the law," "dead to the law," and under a better dispensation, the dispensation of grace.
Paul was born under the law and lived under it until his conversion. In ver. 7-11 he describes his condition while in infancy, and how he went under condemnation by getting a knowledge of the law. In ver. 14-23 he describes his experience while under the law. It is truly a dark picture. It shows that while he desired to do good, he failed to have the grace to do it, and was compelled to yield to the desires of his carnal nature, which he terms "the law of sin." The reader will better understand this by comparing the above with Heb. 7:19; Heb. 9:7-10, 13; Heb. 10:1-4, 11.
But let Paul explain himself. In ver. 24 he cries out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of death?" Hear the answer.-"I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."-Ver. 25. "I thank God that I am delivered through Jesus Christ our Lord."- Conybeare and Howson's Trans. You see he declares he is delivered from the very state and condition he describes in ver. 14-23. But let us follow him in chapter 8, ver. 1-3. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."
This is clear. The "law of sin" which "worked death" in Paul (Rom. 7:13-23), and from which he could not be delivered while under the law, the old covenant
(Rom. 8:3), he now declares he is delivered and "made free from" through Jesus Christ. Here Paul sets the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"-the New Testament, John 8:63; John 6:68-over against the "law" of Moses, and shows that what the law could not do (because it was weak and unprofitable) we can have and do have under the "law of Christ."