The Charismatic churches and the Wesleyan churches came from the same tree in a way. Both believe that one does not receive all the Holy Spirit at salvation , so they believe in a "second act " of the Holy Ghost .
You know that charismatic churches see the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as one that prepares you for service or ministry (spiritual gifts). Wesleyans see it more as a change in heart. They refer to the "second blessing "as Total sanctification ". They believe that If you are totally sanctified by a Baptism of the Holy Spirit you no longer sin. But just as they believe that you can loose your salvation they also believe you can loose the sanctification.
The term "carnal Christian " is too broad by her definition I think. She is saying anyone that sins is carnal ..well we would have to put Paul into that group wouldn't we? :>).
one needs it does not seem biblical to me to divide christians into seperate camps, but seems it would rather give some a feeling of being elite, above others. any help would be great:)
Yes Paul does address Carnal Christians and he even makes a reference to himself as one.
What follows is my opinion only is my opinion only .
I believe in progressive sanctification (the position of most non Weselyans )
When we are born again we are babes learning to walk. As we read the word and pray we submit more and more of our lives to God we will be more and more conformed to the image of Christ , But "total sanctification" will not be complete until we go to be with God.
I believe that if there is no progression or growth in holiness we do need to ask if the person is saved, because we should be reflecting Christ
Weselyans are "holiness " people . They have many rules on holiness , like no smoking, no drinking , no gambling, no movies and in some areas no jewelry or make up. As you can see there is little room for any Christian liberty . I do not believe you can force holiness on anyone ,Christ has set the captives free...
I do believe that Holy Spirit works in our lives to convict us of sin and lead us to Christ . It is His work not ours, and it is progressive , He works where we need him to .
As for this dividing the body , I do not know. The Nazarene church I attended (A wesleyan denomination ) was full of very kind people . Most were not considered "Totally Sanctified" and actually had no clear understanding of the concept , so there was no division in that church. I would ask your friend two things. 1) What did she do to became totally sanctified? (I am guessing she will say she prayed for it).Ask her if it ever occurs spontaneously when people do not even know the doctrine.Can non Wesleyans be totally sanctified and not even know it?? (That would point up it is not an "elite" experience)
2) Then ask her how that affects the eternity of the saved?