Week 48 | Question 71: What is the beauty of entire sanctification?
Join Rev. Ron McDougald and the congregation of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church (Global Methodist Church) in Vancleave, Mississippi, for this rich group Bible study drawn from A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for The Global Methodist Church and Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist (pages 159–160).
Catechism Q71: What is the beauty of entire sanctification?
Answer: It is being delivered from the power of sin; loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loving one’s neighbor as one’s self.
Scriptures discussed:
- Leviticus 19:18
- Deuteronomy 6:5
- Mark 12:30–31
- Romans 13:9–10
- Galatians 5:13–14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
In this session the group explores how entire sanctification is not merely a doctrine but a beautiful, Spirit-enabled transformation of the heart. They wrestle with the two great commandments—loving God wholly and loving neighbor as ourselves—and how these cannot be separated or accomplished in our own strength. Discussion highlights include:
- Why grudges, revenge, and unloving attitudes reveal our need for a changed heart
- Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and the question “Who was the neighbor?”
- Love as the fulfillment of the law rather than a new list of rules
- Our complete helplessness apart from the Holy Spirit
- Cultivating love for God through Scripture, community, service, and knowing God’s character
- The peace that “passes understanding” when God sanctifies us completely (1 Thess. 5:23)
- Entire sanctification as an ongoing process of growth in grace, not a one-time switch
- Proper self-love rooted in God’s love for us
- Living as imitators of God who walk in love rather than falling back into legalism
The conversation is honest, pastoral, and deeply Wesleyan—acknowledging struggle, the necessity of Christian community, and the beauty of a life filled with perfect love.
Mount Pleasant Methodist Church
13802 Mt Pleasant Rd, Vancleave, MS
Website: https://mtpleasantgmc.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MtPleasantGMC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561591703590
We invite you to watch, study along with the catechism, and join us in seeking the beauty of a heart made perfect in love.
