world and is misunderstood today. In his book, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, John Wesley stated, "... among religious men, who affirmed, not that I stated perfection wrong, but that, "there is no perfection on earth;" nay, and fell vehemently on my brother and me for affirming the contrary. We scarce expected so rough an attack .. ."69 The concept of sinless perfection is widely debated today from both ends of the spectrum ranging from a lack of knowledge to a passionate commitment to Calvinism. In his own defense John Wesley stated, "The perfection I hold is so far from being contrary to the doctrine of the Church that it is exactly the same which every clergyman prays for every Sunday: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name I mean neither more nor less than this. In doctrine therefore I do not dissent from the Church of England."70 Christian Perfection is the spiritual experience of loving God and loving others as an ongoing way of life. Christian perfection reflects a spiritual maturity that demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit. "Wesley's position was that God implants righteousness in everyone to whom he has imputed it."71 Christian perfection is the dynamic level of maturity within the process of sanctification characteristic of a mature Christian life. "John Wesley assumed that growth in holiness would continue within Christian perfection." For the contemporary clergy the challenge before us is to preach and teach holiness as an ongoing 69 John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, (Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1966), 22. 70 Rupert E. Davies, (Ed.), The Works of John Wesley, Volume 9: The Methodist Societies: History, Nature, and Design, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989), 409. 71 Knight, 55. 72 Randy Maddox, Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology, (Nashville: Abingdon Press/Kingswood Books, 1994), 187. transformational experience with God. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"
69 John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, (Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1966), 22. 70 Rupert E. Davies, (Ed.), The Works of John Wesley, Volume 9: The Methodist Societies: History, Nature, and Design, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989), 409. 71 Knight, 55. 72 Randy Maddox, Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology, (Nashville: Abingdon Press/Kingswood Books, 1994), 187. world and is misunderstood today. In his book, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, John Wesley stated, "... among religious men, who affirmed, not that I stated perfection wrong, but that, "there is no perfection on earth;" nay, and fell vehemently on my brother and me for affirming the contrary. We scarce expected so rough an attack .. ."69 The concept of sinless perfection is widely debated today from both ends of the spectrum ranging from a lack of knowledge to a passionate commitment to Calvinism. In his own defense John Wesley stated, "The perfection I hold is so far from being contrary to the doctrine of the Church that it is exactly the same which every clergyman prays for every Sunday: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name I mean neither more nor less than this. In doctrine therefore I do not dissent from the Church of England."70 Christian Perfection is the spiritual experience of loving God and loving others as an ongoing way of life. Christian perfection reflects a spiritual maturity that demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit. "Wesley's position was that God implants righteousness in everyone to whom he has imputed it."71 Christian perfection is the dynamic level of maturity within the process of sanctification characteristic of a mature Christian life. "John Wesley assumed that growth in holiness would continue within Christian perfection." For the contemporary clergy the challenge before us is to preach and teach holiness as an ongoing transformational experience with God. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"
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