Christian Perfection
Christian perfection, often understood as a state of spiritual maturity and completeness in one's relationship with God, is rooted in several biblical passages. Notably, Matthew 5:48 states, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," which suggests that believers are called to strive for holiness and moral integrity, reflecting the character of God. This concept is further illuminated in 1 John 2:5-6, where it emphasizes that true love for God is demonstrated by obedience to His commandments, indicating that perfection encompasses both moral and relational aspects.In the context of Wesleyan theology, Christian perfection is often associated with the idea of entire sanctification, where a believer is cleansed from sin and filled with love for God and neighbor (1 John 4:18). The New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon and other biblical dictionaries highlight that this perfection does not imply sinlessness but rather a maturity in faith and love, enabling believers to live out their faith authentically. Ultimately, Christian perfection is a continual process of growth in grace, marked by reliance on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will (Philippians 3:12-14).
Christian Perfection7
Conformity to Christ in Heart and Life
By Thomas Brooks0ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 4:13PHP 2:5COL 3:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that striving for conformity to Christ in both heart and life transforms our existence into a reflection of heaven. He draws a parallel between orators aspiring to emulate Demosthenes and Christians aiming to embody the character of Jesus Christ, as this pursuit leads to true glory and perfection in their lives.
(The Spiritual Man) Christian Perfection
By Denny Kenaston1.9K55:00ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a devout and holy life as a Christian. He refers to the words of Paul in Philippians chapter 3, where Paul describes his single-minded focus on knowing Christ and winning Him above all else. The speaker encourages the audience to seek God wholeheartedly and to experience the joy of leading others to Christ. He also mentions the practice in Korea where one had to lead someone to Christ in order to become a member of the church. The sermon concludes with a prayer and an invitation to visit the ministry's website for more messages.
Christian Perfection
By John Wesley0EZK 36:25MAT 5:48ROM 6:12CO 10:4GAL 2:20PHP 3:121PE 1:162PE 3:181JN 3:91JN 5:18John Wesley preaches on 'Christian Perfection,' emphasizing that while Christians are not perfect in knowledge, free from mistakes, or exempt from temptation, they can attain a state of holiness that reflects the character of Christ. He clarifies that perfection does not mean the absence of sin but rather a transformative relationship with God that leads to a life free from willful sin and evil thoughts. Wesley encourages believers to strive for this perfection, which is a continual process of growth in grace and knowledge of God, and asserts that true Christians can live in a way that aligns with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Presenting Men Perfect
By J.R. Miller0MAT 28:19COL 1:28J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound responsibility Christians have to help one another achieve perfection in Christ, as Paul aimed to do. He illustrates that we are each other's keepers, tasked with nurturing and guiding those around us towards spiritual maturity and beauty. Miller warns against neglecting this duty, highlighting the consequences of failing to influence others positively, whether through words or actions. He stresses that perfection involves both the removal of blemishes and the full development of one's potential, urging believers to actively engage in the lives of others. Ultimately, he calls for a partnership with Christ in this mission, recognizing that while God is the source of transformation, our involvement is crucial.
Article in Response to Troy Presbytery
By Charles Finney01TH 5:23Charles Finney addresses the Troy Presbytery's stance on 'Christian Perfection,' arguing that their critique misrepresents the true issue at hand. He emphasizes that while the Presbytery acknowledges the possibility of higher holiness, they fail to recognize the attainability of complete sanctification in this life. Finney contends that the arguments against perfection are based on logical fallacies and misinterpretations of scripture, asserting that believers can indeed strive for and achieve a state of entire sanctification. He calls for a fair examination of the doctrine and urges the Presbytery to reconsider their position in light of biblical truths.
Entire Sanctification
By Adam Clarke0MAT 5:48JHN 15:5ROM 6:142CO 7:1EPH 3:19PHP 1:61TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 1:7Adam Clarke passionately preaches on the doctrine of entire sanctification, emphasizing that God's ultimate design is to restore humanity to His image by purifying the heart from all sin and filling it with holiness. He argues against the belief that sin cannot be fully eradicated in this life, asserting that the blood of Jesus cleanses from all unrighteousness and that true Christian perfection is attainable. Clarke encourages believers to seek this fullness of God, which leads to a life of love and obedience, and warns against the dangers of settling for a lesser experience of faith. He highlights that the grace of God is sufficient to empower believers to live free from sin, and he calls for a return to the pursuit of holiness as a vital aspect of the Christian life.
Matthew 5:46
By Chuck Smith0MAT 5:20MAT 5:46ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:13PHP 3:14COL 3:1JAS 1:41PE 1:15Chuck Smith explores the profound implications of Matthew 5:46, emphasizing that Christians are called to exceed the moral standards of non-Christians. He highlights that true perfection, as defined by Jesus, is not merely about adhering to laws but about embodying a higher righteousness that reflects God's character. Smith encourages believers to pursue goals that align with the spirit of the law, focusing on inner attitudes and a deep hunger for righteousness. He asserts that this perfection is attainable through a relationship with God as our Father, which transforms our ethical framework and empowers us to live beyond mere compliance.