Introduction
The Holiness movement is one of the most significant streams of Christian revival in modern history. Emerging in the 19th century, it emphasized a deeper experience of personal sanctification and holy living. Over time, it influenced the rise of new denominations and left a lasting imprint on global Christianity.
Influences on the Development of the Holiness Movement
The Holiness movement traces its roots primarily to the Wesleyan tradition of the 18th century, especially the teachings of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
- Doctrine of Entire Sanctification: Wesley taught that believers could, after conversion, experience a second work of grace, leading to a state of Christian perfection—understood not as sinless perfection, but as a heart full of love toward God and neighbor.
- 19th-Century Revivalism: The Second Great Awakening in the early 1800s, with its emphasis on personal conversion and moral reform, provided fertile ground for Holiness ideas to flourish.
- Reaction Against Formalism: Many felt that mainline Methodist churches were becoming too formal and worldly, losing the emphasis on holiness that Wesley had championed.
Thus, a renewed call for a return to Wesley’s emphasis on holiness arose within and alongside Methodism.
The Emergence of Holiness Denominations
While the early Holiness movement remained within Methodism, tensions eventually led to the formation of distinct denominations:
- Church of the Nazarene (founded 1908): Perhaps the most prominent Holiness denomination, formed through the merger of several regional Holiness groups. It emphasized entire sanctification and a strong missionary zeal.
- Wesleyan Methodist Church (1843) and Pilgrim Holiness Church (1897): These two churches later merged in 1968 to form The Wesleyan Church.
- Free Methodist Church (1860): Originating in a split over issues such as pew rentals (favoring free seating) and personal holiness.
- Church of God (Anderson, Indiana, founded 1881): Grew out of the Holiness emphasis but emphasized unity and avoided denominational labels for much of its early history.
- Pentecostal Connections: The Holiness movement directly influenced early Pentecostalism. Many early Pentecostal leaders, such as Charles Parham, emerged from Holiness backgrounds.
How the Holiness Tradition Has Changed Over Time
The Holiness movement has seen significant shifts over the last two centuries:
- Shift Toward Evangelicalism: Many Holiness churches, particularly after World War II, increasingly aligned themselves with broader evangelicalism, focusing more on evangelism and less on strict outward codes of conduct (e.g., prohibitions against jewelry, dancing, or cinema attendance).
- Decline of Emphasis on Entire Sanctification: While still a theological distinctive, the doctrine of a “second definite work” is less often preached in practical terms today. Some churches have reframed it as a life-long process of sanctification rather than a singular, definable experience.
- Global Expansion: The Holiness message has spread globally, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, often taking on new cultural expressions and emphasis.
- Modern Challenges: Holiness churches today face the challenge of maintaining their distinctive emphasis on holy living while remaining engaged with a rapidly changing and increasingly secularized culture.
Conclusion
The Holiness movement began as a heartfelt cry to recover the full power of Christian life as envisioned by John Wesley. It led to the creation of influential denominations and even played a foundational role in the birth of Pentecostalism. Though the movement has evolved and adapted over time, its call to live a life fully devoted to God continues to resonate with believers around the world.
