1. In your own words please define Christian Perfection. As well please share any words or phrases that may be synonymous with Christian Perfection.

The goal for every Christian is to be Christ-like. The apostle Paul said, “Imitate me, I imitate Christ. Jesus said, “Be ye perfect therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 6:48). From the human perspective no one is seen as being perfect. However, from God’s perspective he sees his obedient sons and daughters as faultless heirs to his kingdom. “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy –to the only God and Saviour be glory...now and forever more” (Jude 24-25).

The most common synonymous substitute for perfection is the word “mature” defined as fully grown. Though fully grown we must hold steadfast to the faith and walk in the light lest we loosen our relationship with the vine and become under nourished, whither and die spiritually.

2. Is it important that the doctrine of Christian Perfection be taught?

It is Biblical and Wesleyans believe it. It is very important we teach it; preach it and most of all that we live it.

3. Within the first 50 years of your Christian experience was Christian Perfection taught in the local church?

Yes. Christian Perfection was taught and also known as the Holiness Movement. This was one of the earmarks that distinguished us (Wesleyans) from other doctrines. One of our commonly quoted verses of scripture being, “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb.12-14).

4. From your observations have pastors, professors and laity stepped away from the teaching of Christian Perfection?

From my limited observation I believe we have stepped away, at least to a degree. For years it was presented as a second blessing or work of grace. It was taught, sought, and attained. Now it is more complex. We have initial, progressive, and complete forms of sanctification without mention of time frames. Therefore, ministers, and people alike seldom mention sanctification. This is not the only subject which is no longer mentioned. In the Bible the phrase ‘the wrath of God appears 600 times. Yes, the love of God should have the emphasis but I do not believe the wrath of God should be forgotten. The opposite end of the spectrum of God is clearly defined in Romans 8:11-22.

I would like to quote two men prominent in religious circles. In Christianity Today magazine George Barna said, “Daily the church is becoming more and more like the world it alleged set out to change”. And in another month of the same magazine Phillip Yancey said, “Worship today could be defined as loudly occupying every space of silence.”

5. What are some practical ways that Christian Perfection can be communicated to today’s Christian?

Christian Perfection can be best communicated as we witness Christians daily living the holy life. Also it may be communicated by using more modern terminology. We no longer use harsh words like perfect because our present world rejects absolutes.

6. Have you experienced Christian Perfection within your own life? If yes, could you share your experience?

Yes; I have received Christian Perfection within my own life. It was many years ago when sanctification was more commonly known as the second blessing. The first blessing was God’s response to our request to forgive our sins. Knowing and believing this by faith we received justification. Our sins were removed from us just as if we had never sinned. Following this when you were ready to surrender all to Christ we would pray for an inward cleansing with the assurance of the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. On my seeking this second experience nothing special seemed to happen but having done my part I believed God would meet the need. A few Sunday’s later sitting in the choir I experienced a sense of His presence and blessing such as I never knew before or since. It did not come about because of something special in our service. I found myself saying several times, “O Lord, do not take this from me. However, I knew this to be the promise being fulfilled in my life. “The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom.8-16).

I find it difficult to believe that our loving Father in heaven made his plan of salvation so complex that we have to struggle and struggle to know if we have attained all God has for us. We are not all alike and another’s experience and response may differ from mine. However, the promise of His spirit witness with our spirit is for us all.

Mr. Mutch is a long time member of the Woodstock Wesleyan Church and has written articles for Wesley publishing.