Is Deeper Cleansing a Second Salvation?
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey · 2 min read
Some hear about a "second blessing" and conclude that the first one was incomplete. Others hear it and worry that they must hunt for a particular experience. Professor Gary Maxey answers both worries.
One salvation, two kinds of work
In his book on the Highway of Holiness, Professor Maxey explains that at new birth a believer is forgiven and washed. He calls this initial sanctification. A deeper and progressive sanctification follows. Both belong to the one salvation God planned. He cites Paul: God chose us for salvation "through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
Instant or gradual?
His answer to this old argument is both. The new birth brings an instant washing. Paul told the Corinthians "you were washed." But he also prayed for the Thessalonians to be sanctified completely (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Professor Maxey says sanctification is a lifelong process of acquiring new habits and shedding old ones, with one or more crisis points of deeper cleansing.
The question of terms
People argue over what to call the Spirit's deeper work. Some say Spirit baptism happens at new birth. Others say it comes later as a second work. Others place it as a third work, for power. Professor Maxey says he sees no reason to dogmatically reject any of these positions. He worries that heated debate over terminology may leave a person with no answer to the deeper needs of his soul.
So he asks personal questions. Has the Spirit shown you the depths of your fleshly nature? Have you groaned for deliverance? Have you followed through in obedience? Have you made a deeper consecration than you knew at new birth?
Do not copy an experience
He also warns against demanding that everyone have the same experience. The Spirit deals with each person separately. The final test is Scripture.
A practical result
If you are born again, you do not need to doubt your salvation to seek more. Go to God with the question he asks you, not with a label. Ask him what is still unfinished in you, and be ready to hear.
Drawn from the teaching of Professor Gary S. Maxey.
