First of all, the 'holiness movement' in general is in response to the reality that many extreme calvinist christians do NOT 'already believe' that we are called to dramatically altered/holy life.Christopher wrote:So, it seems to me that the doctrine of "entire sanctification" is really just a label that is placed on what most Christians already believe, that we are a work in progress and that our sanctification isn't completed until we die.
Is that correct? Or are there various camps?
If that is so, it seems to be a rather misleading label.
In Wesley's day, it was the norm to consider yourself an anglican and yet get drunk and sleep with prostitutes during a typical week. In THAT context, Wesley and his friends developed a concept of 'entire sanctification' where we're not only part of the church but also changed dramatically into Christlike creatures.
I believe we find the same phenomenon today considering most americans consider themselves 'Christians' b/c they are...american (or go to church at least twice a year). My theory is that the so called '2nd work of grace' was invented b/c the 1st work of grace had been watered down by the institutionalization of the church. Just a theory.
For a serious Christian, I agree that the term is misleading. For a nominal Christian, it may serve some value.