ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION OBTAINABLE.



This would seem to follow as a necessary corollary from what has been
said in the preceding chapter. If entire sanctification has been proved
to be not a matter of option but a matter of necessity; if we cannot
attain to the highest results in Christian privilege, nor in Christian
enjoyment, nor in Christian service without this blessed experience,
and if, at the end, we cannot be admitted into the celestial city
unless we possess it, surely we cannot doubt for a moment that our
gracious Heavenly Father has provided a way by which this indispensable
requisite both for time and for eternity may be received.

But before discussing this proposition in detail let us have a clear
understanding of what is meant by entire sanctification, and, as a
preliminary, let us study a few simple theological definitions.

In the first place, my reader will have no difficulty in believing that
I fully accept the Arminian doctrine of the universality of the
atonement. The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of
all mankind, and its benefits are offered to all. "He tasted death for
every man." But it does not follow that all men will be saved, and this
for the reason that the atonement is not unconditional but conditional.
It is offered to all, and all are invited and entreated to accept it.
But it is available only in the case of those who believe. "He that
believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be
condemned." A universal atonement, therefore, does not by any means
imply a universal salvation.