| Entire Sanctification |
Website Links For Christian |
Information AboutEntire Sanctification |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CHRISTIAN PERFECTION | |
| methodism | |
| christian theology | |
| theology | |
|
Christian Perfection is a Christian Doctrine which maintains that after conversion, but before death, a Christian's soul may be cleansed from the stain of Original Sin . Perfection may also be called sanctification. It is chiefly associated with the followers of John Wesley who are part of the Methodist Movement from Wesley's understanding of sanctifying grace. Perfection can either define the journey to perfection or the state of perfection. Christian perfection is commonly referred to as "going onto perfection." THE DOCTRINE IN SCRIPTURE
THE DOCTRINE IN CHURCH HISTORY THE DOCTRINE IN WESLEY Perfection, is the process of santification, a work of grace. To Wesley, santification is grace led spiritual growth. Christian perfection, according to Wesley, is “purity of intention, dedicating all the life to God” and “the mind which was in Christ, enabling us to walk as Christ walked.” It is “loving God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves” (''A Plain Account of Christian Perfection'', 109). It is “a restoration not only to the favour, but likewise to the image of God,” our “being filled with the fullness of God” (''The End of Christ’s Coming'', 482). Wesley was clear that Christian perfection did ''not'' imply perfection of bodily health or an infallibility of judgment. It also does not mean we no longer violate the will of God, for involuntary transgressions remain. Perfected Christians remain subject to temptation, and have continued need to pray for forgiveness and holiness. It is not an absolute perfection but a ''perfection in love''. Furthermore, Wesley did not teach a salvation by perfection, but rather says that, “Even perfect holiness is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ.” (''A Plain Account of Christian Perfection'') Wesley did not use perfection to describe sinlessness. Similarly, perfection is not the state of being unable to sin, but rather the state of choosing not to sin. Wesley's perfection represents a change of life, a freedom from willful rebellion against God, impure intentions, and pride. Wesley also did not view perfection as permanent. This is a poem that Wesley taught to his followers, lest they forget the doctrine of Christian Perfection; Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, at all the times you can, in all the ways you can, by all the means you can, as long as ever you can. THE DOCTRINE IN HYMNODY
POST-WESLEY DEVELOPMENTS
SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS Pro
Con
|
|
|