Christian Perfection
July 31, 2022
JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
DAVE HANSON
“Nobody is perfect.” We have heard it all our lives and often said it ourselves to justify some mistake we have made. The Bible even affirms it when it says, “There is none righteous. No, not one, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” It also cautions us by saying, “He who says he is without sin is liar and the truth is not in them.”
However, we are also urged to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. John Wesley believed and taught that we are called to Christian perfection and it is possible in this life.
He taught that Christian perfection does not mean we have perfect knowledge or that we do not make mistakes or are free from temptations. He means that through the grace of God we may find that God’s love in our hearts has crowded out self and that our intention in life is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Humility is the hallmark of someone who is growing toward Christian perfection. The closer you get to God, the more you will realize how far you are from the Lord.
Christian Perfection keeps growing. If you look at a perfect acorn you will understand.
The Rev. Dave Hanson is a retired pastor and John Wesley scholar.
