The preaching of "Christian Perfection" has been one of Methodism's most important contributions to the life of the whole Church of Christ. It has also been, from time to time, a source of controversy. It must be said that Wesley's sermon which bears the title is perhaps not the best introduction to his views. To understand "Christian Perfection" we must first understand what Wesley was trying to achieve.
Wesley believed that there could be no limits on the grace of God and that all were called to the very highest standard of life. This is essentially what Wesley meant by 'scriptural holiness'. There is no one beyond the reach of God's grace, and therefore none who could excuse herself from the obligation to seek for the perfection that God offers as a free gift of his grace. With forgiveness (or justification) comes the progressive change in character which is the result of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Wesley taught that all Christians should expect to see this change and growth, and should seek the end of this process which is the perfection of God. This perfection he called "Entire Sanctification".
The target of Wesley's teaching on perfection was the 'elitism' of much of the Christian teaching of his day, which held that only a select few could hope to achieve holiness, and the best that could be expected of most was occasional church attendance and a degree of respectability. For Wesley this would not do. Just as all are included in the offer of salvation by the grace of God, so Wesley insisted that all could 'press on toward perfection'.Email Subscription: