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

My definition of Christian Perfection would be, “perfect love toward God and humanity.” For example the first commandment to love the Lord our God with all your heart… Also I Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Some other words for Christian Perfection would be sanctification and holiness.

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

It is imperative. We need to have the knowledge before we respond to the provision and promise. Romans 6:22 says, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.”

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

In the early years of my experience the preaching was very negative. Any doctrinal position was against sports and amusements of any kind. Theory was stressed more than the clear teaching from the word. Too much emphasis was put on emotion as the evidence of the work, rather than faith and obedience to the truth. However, with this said I did have opportunity to hear at times some great preaching on sanctification and holiness. It may be that things are swinging back to some degree. Our sanctification is in Christ, he supplied it, and we receive it.

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

Yes, I believe there has been a slow process of stepping back, not using biblical terms and as much as we may try to argue the matter that emphasis is sadly missing in many of our churches. In one of our churches where I attended for five years it became clear that a direct call to sanctification/holiness was not always present. As our churches grow larger the danger of evasion is greater.

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

Preach right from the Scriptures. Don’t preach experience only, for everyone has a different intake of spiritual things. Preach relationship. Have a question and answer session.

Please read Ephesians 4:22-32 for insight on holiness. Verse 22 talks of putting off the old man. Verse 24 tells of putting on the new man. Finally, Verse 25 talks of putting away. Here is an illustration: Marriage Ceremony = sanctification, surrendering all
Married Life = holiness, live it out day by day

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

I was sanctified in Bible College in my young days. As time went on I came to see that only as we walk in the light are we being cleansed (I John 1:7). It is conditional and continual. The blood cleanseth from all sin. I recommend this as the sure way to please God.

Mr. Trafton is an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church and has served the Atlantic District with distinction holding several key leadership positions over the years.