New birth through faith; entire sanctification; salvation forfeitable through apostasy
The Church of God (Anderson) teaches a Wesleyan-Arminian soteriology centered on the new birth and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation begins with repentance from sin and faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. Through justifying grace, the sinner is forgiven, declared righteous, and enters into new life as a child of God. This new birth is not inherited or transferred by ritual but is an experiential work of grace received by faith.
Subsequent to the new birth, entire sanctification is presented as a second work of grace in which the Holy Spirit cleanses the believer from the carnal nature, enabling complete dedication to God and the love of both God and neighbor. Salvation is a gift of grace, received by faith and maintained through continued faith and obedience. The church affirms prevenient (preparatory) grace, which enables all people to respond to God's call. However, salvation is not eternal and unconditional; one may forfeit salvation through willful apostasy and continued rejection of God's grace.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- faith and new birth; entire sanctification as subsequent work
- Election type:
- conditional — God foreknows free response; universal prevenient grace
- Baptismal regeneration:
- denied — new birth is Spirit-wrought work, not sacramental
- Eternal security:
- rejected — apostasy possible; continued faith necessary
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God (Anderson) Article II — Repentance and Faith
- Enoch C. Byrum, The Flesh and the Spirit
- Church of God (Anderson) Statement on Entire Sanctification