There is a lot of debate in the Christian church about "Holiness". Is it a crisis - that is, a moment in time where we are completely transformed into the image of Christ; is it a process - something that we grow into over a period of time; can it be obtained on this side of heaven; and where does the "2nd blessing" fit into holiness theology????
John Wesley and Samuel Logan Brengle would lean towards a crisis event, whereas, Frederick Coutts and Bramwell Tillsley would lean towards a process. The development of The Salvation Army's holiness doctine over the past century would span from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Without trying to simplify what has obviously been a difficult issue for theologians, I believe that they are all right! Holiness is both a crisis and a process that is manifested differently and to varying degrees in every Christian. One Christian may experience a "second blessing" or a dramatic life changing encounter with the Holy Spirit, whereas, another will take a lifetime to surrender full control of their life to the Spirit. The constant factor in the pursuit of holiness is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit who is waiting to release the fullness of His power in our lives. The variant is the willingness of the Christian to fully surrender to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we recieve the Holy Spirit (crisis), however, the degree to which we are transformed into a new being is directly proportional to the amount of access and control we are prepared to give the Spirit of our lives (process). Can the Holy Spirit transform us in an instant? Of course He can, He is God! But do we make Him Lord - that is, complete master of our lives? As much as we have free will to invite the Spirit into our lives, we also use that same will to hinder the work of the Spirit. It is a question of trust, obedience and lordship.
My observation is that often when a person has a particular encounter with the Holy Spirit, there is a tendency to assume that it should be the experience of all Christians, thus the variations in holiness teaching. I believe that holiness is the "privilege of all believers"; I believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to regenerate lives; I believe that holiness is an experience for today; I believe that holiness is expressed through "continued obedient faith in Jesus Christ", and evident through the manifestation of the "fruits of the Holy Spirit". It is my interpretation that holiness is a life of perpetual blessing, as we allow God the Holy Spirit to renew us every day.
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