WESLEY'S CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.
Philippians 3:12.

1. THERE is scarce any expression in holy writ, which has given more offense than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them; and whosoever preaches perfection, (as the phrase is,) that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a publican.

2. And hence some have advised, wholly to lay aside the use of those expressions; “because they have given so great offense.” But are they not found in the oracles of God? If so, by what authority can any Messenger of God lay them aside, even though all men should be offended? We have not so learned Christ; neither may we thus give place to the devil. Whatsoever God hath spoken, that will we speak, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear; knowing that then alone can any Minister of Christ be “pure from the blood of all men,” when he hath “not shunned to declare unto them all the counsel of God.”

3. We may not, therefore, lay these expressions aside, seeing they are the words of God and not of man. But we may and ought to explain the meaning of them; that those who are sincere of heart may not err to the right hand or left, from the mark of the prize of their high calling. And this is the more needful to be done, because, in the verse already repeated, the Apostle speaks of himself as not perfect: “Not.” saith he, “as though I were already perfect.” And yet immediately after, in the fifteenth verse, he 9 speaks of himself, yea, and many others, as perfect: “Let us,” saith he, “as many as be perfect, be thus minded.”

4. In order, therefore, to remove the difficulty arising from this seeming contradiction, as well as to give light to them who are pressing forward to the mark, and that those who are lame be not turned out of the way, I shall endeavor to show, First, In what sense Christians are not; and, Secondly, In what sense they are, perfect.

Thank the Lord for a New Year

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

William Arthur Ward

Merry Christmas and a few things to consider

I wanna takes this moment to wish everybody a Merry Christmas. Christmas time is a time of remembering and reflecting on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I understand how society has twisted the meaning of Christmas and how the times have affected how we view or even celebrate Christmas. But I also believe that that does not prevent us from doing doing the right thing; celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus without fear.

Talk a little bit about gifts and giving during Christmas. I know you'll be giving out some gifts. I have already received gifts from many of you out there. But I'd also love for you to consider giving the ultimate gift to just one person this year that they will remember for the rest of their lives. I believe strongly that there is one person out there who has not heard about the amazing love of Jesus. This could be their only or even last opportunity to hear about it. Why don't you take the opportunity to show them the true meaning of Christmas...give them a gift and tell them there is even a better gift. That would be the true gift that would be eternal. You don't have to preach at them or even quote biblical passages. Just share about a baby Jesus who was born 2000 years ago and may be that enough would draw their attention and make them wanna ask and know more.

God bless you and have a Merry Christmas this year. Remember its all about Jesus.

Logos Bible Software giving away Seminary Scholarship

Logos Bible Software, the best tool in Bible Study I have ever invested in is currently offering a Seminary Scholarship. The resources on the Logos Library are enormous and have been very useful to me especially with the research demands and the time limits as a result of my current academic and pastoral schedules. The tools offered by Logos are not only for ministers but also for lay leaders alike. I think this is a great opportunity and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. There is a brief video at the beginning that will guide you on how the software operates and also lead you to the registration page.

Be blessed.

Purity and Simplicity

According to Thomas A Kempis, "Simplicity and purity are the two wings by which a person is lifted up above all earthly things. Simplicity is in the intention; purity is in the affection. Simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes him." The two are not just intentional attributes of holiness but also the very basics of living a holy life. People have often associated holiness with some sort of radical lifestyle....essentially yes it is radical because it requires a complete transformation. It rejects any conformity to the patterns of this world in the words of Apostle Paul (Romans 12). But holiness is not beyond reach as often imagined by many. When the Lord commands us to be holy just as he is, (1 Peter 1:16), it affirms the fact that it is attainable in this life. It is been said that even the hypocrites admire righteousness because it is simply a beautiful thing. Because it simple and attainable.

"No action will hinder you if you are inwardly free from inordinate affection. If you intend and seek nothing but the will of God and the good of your neighbor, you will enjoy eternal liberty; for if your heart be right, every creature will be a looking glass of life and a text of holy doctrine. There is no creature so lowly as represents the goodness of God." The Lord summarized it simply as loving God with all your heart, mind and soul and loving neighbor as self. There are many sayings which always bring profound meaning to the fact that love conquers all things. I've always told people that there is no better feeling than to know your heart is right with God and man. You will simply enjoy your sleep. Unrepentant sinners always have something to worry about. It is like being a fugitive, the only difference is that nobody is chasing you but yourself. Just like the Prodigal Son's father was waiting with open arms, the Lord is always waiting to receive you and save you from your misery. Then you can enjoy a sweet life of holiness.

Wesley's Favorite Texts on Christian Perfection

These as identified by W.E.Sangster in The Path to Perfection: An Examination and Restatement of John Wesley’s Doctrine of Christian Perfection

Ezekiel 36:25, 26, 29
Matthew 5:8, 48 and 6:10
Romans 2:29
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 3:17f. And 7:1
Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 3:14-19 and 5:27
Philippians 3:15
I Thessalonians 5:23
Titus 2:11-14
Hebrews 6:1; 7:25; and 10:14
John 8:34ff. and 17:20-23
James 1:4
I John 1:5, 7, 8, 9; 2:6; 3:8-10

Wesley's Journal entry for 24th May, 1738, BE 18:249f

"In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."