Christian perfectionism is a theological concept that explores the pursuit of spiritual maturity and holiness as outlined in Scripture. The Bible calls believers to strive for perfection, as seen in Matthew 5:48, where Jesus commands, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This call is not an invitation to achieve sinless perfection in this life but rather to pursue completeness in our relationship with God. In Philippians 3:12-14, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of pressing on toward the goal of the heavenly calling, indicating that while we may not attain perfection, we are to earnestly seek growth in Christ. Furthermore, Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, highlighting the active role we play in our sanctification journey. However, it is crucial to understand that Christian perfectionism does not lead to self-righteousness; rather, it acknowledges our dependence on God's grace, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul learns that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Thus, the pursuit of perfection is a continuous journey of faith, reflecting a heart transformed by the love of Christ.
William Edwin Boardman preaches about the stumbling stone of perfectionism that hinders many from fully pursuing the experience of salvation by faith. He emphasizes the separation between the theory of perfectionism and the actual experience of full salvation, using illustrations to show that they h