No Quick Fix

1. Higher Life Theology: Origins and Core Beliefs

Higher life theology has two main influences: Wesleyan perfectionism and the holiness movement.

Historical roots. Higher Life Theology emerged in the late 19th century, blending elements of Wesleyan perfectionism and the American holiness movement. Key figures like William Boardman, Hannah Whitall Smith, and the founders of the Keswick Convention popularized this teaching.

Core beliefs. Higher Life Theology teaches that:

• Christians can experience a "second blessing" or crisis moment after conversion
• This leads to a higher plane of spiritual living, characterized by victory over sin
• Sanctification is achieved by "letting go and letting God" rather than personal effort
• Christians are divided into two categories: carnal and spiritual

2. The Dangerous Divide: Two Categories of Christians

Higher life theology creates two categories of Christians.

False dichotomy. Higher Life Theology erroneously divides believers into:

1. Carnal Christians: Those who haven't experienced the "second blessing"
2. Spiritual Christians: Those who have surrendered fully and live on a higher plane

Biblical perspective. This division is not supported by Scripture. The New Testament teaches that:

• All genuine Christians are progressively sanctified
• All believers are spiritual, though they may act carnally at times
• All Christians are Spirit-baptized and Spirit-filled to varying degrees
• All believers abide in Christ, though the depth of this relationship may vary

3. The Flawed View of Sin and Sanctification

Higher life theology portrays a shallow and incomplete view of sin in the Christian life.

Perfectionism lite. While not advocating sinless perfection, Higher Life Theology still promotes an unrealistic view of the Christian's struggle with sin:

• It suggests believers can live free from all known sin
• It fails to account for the deceitfulness of the human heart
• It underestimates the ongoing presence of indwelling sin in believers

Biblical sanctification. Scripture teaches a more nuanced view:

• Sin remains a lifelong struggle for all believers
• Sanctification is a gradual process of transformation
• The Holy Spirit works to change the whole person, not just counteract sinful impulses

4. The Pitfalls of Passive "Let Go and Let God" Thinking

The 'let' idea emphasizes passivity and discourages activity.

Quietism's danger. The "let go and let God" mantra of Higher Life Theology promotes a passive approach to Christian living that:

• Discourages active pursuit of holiness
• Misunderstands the nature of spiritual growth
• Can lead to frustration when instant victory isn't achieved

Biblical balance. Scripture calls for both dependence on God and active obedience:

• Christians are commanded to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12)
• The New Testament uses active metaphors like walking, running, and fighting
• Spiritual growth involves both God's empowering grace and our responsible effort

5. Misinterpretation of Scripture and Experience

Higher life theology does not interpret and apply the Bible accurately.

Exegetical errors. Higher Life Theology often mishandles Scripture by:

• Over-emphasizing certain Greek tenses to support the idea of crisis experiences
• Allegorizing Old Testament narratives to teach spiritual principles
• Proof-texting isolated verses without considering broader context

Experience over doctrine. This approach:

• Elevates subjective experiences above sound biblical teaching
• Can lead to a disconnect between theology and practice
• Fails to provide a solid foundation for sustainable spiritual growth

6. The False Assurance of Carnal Christianity

Higher life theology assures spurious "Christians" they are saved.

Dangerous comfort. The concept of "carnal Christians" can:

• Provide false assurance to those living in unrepentant sin
• Undermine the biblical doctrine of perseverance
• Make church discipline difficult or impossible to practice

Biblical assurance. Scripture teaches that:

• Genuine faith produces fruit and leads to ongoing transformation
• Believers are called to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith
• Assurance is based on objective truth and subjective evidence of God's work

7. The Harm of Instant Sanctification Formulas

Higher life theology uses superficial formulas for instantaneous sanctification.

Quick-fix mentality. Higher Life Theology often presents simple steps or formulas for achieving instant spiritual victory:

• These can appeal to those frustrated with the slow process of growth
• They oversimplify the complexities of spiritual maturation
• They set unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment

Biblical growth. Scripture portrays sanctification as:

• A gradual process of transformation
• Involving ups and downs, successes and failures
• Requiring perseverance and patience

8. The Addiction to Emotional Spiritual Experiences

Higher life theology fosters dependency on experiences at special holiness meetings.

Emotional highs. The emphasis on crisis experiences can lead to:

• A cycle of emotional "mountaintops" followed by "valleys"
• Dependence on special meetings or conferences for spiritual vitality
• Neglect of everyday spiritual disciplines

Sustainable faith. Biblical Christianity emphasizes:

• Consistent growth through ordinary means of grace
• The importance of local church involvement
• Developing spiritual resilience in everyday life

9. A Better Way: Biblical Progressive Sanctification

There is no quick fix.

Reformed view. A more biblical approach to sanctification teaches:

• All genuine believers are progressively sanctified from the moment of conversion
• Growth is a lifelong process involving both divine enabling and human responsibility
• The Holy Spirit works to transform the whole person, not just behavior

Practical application. This view encourages believers to:

• Pursue holiness actively while depending on God's grace
• Develop consistent spiritual habits and disciplines
• Expect gradual, often imperceptible growth over time
• Find encouragement in the ongoing work of God in their lives

Last updated: August 2, 2024