A Plain Account of Christian Perfection (Foundations of Faith) (Foundations of Faith)

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection (Foundations of Faith) (Foundations of Faith)

3.67 of 5 stars 3.67  ·  rating details  ·  110 ratings  ·  9 reviews
In the past few hundred years, some great Christian thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries have penned works of literature that continue to influence Christians today. Rediscover the cornerstone of the Christian faith with this classic work from one of the most influential Christian thought leaders.
Paperback, 176 pages
Published May 16th 2006 by Relevant Books (first published January 1st 1966)
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David
Wesley lays out his argument for Christian perfection, explaining what it is and what it is not. Responding to critics, he argues it is not an absolute perfection (it does not mean the Christian knows everything God knows). It also does not mean no more growth is possible, the Christian continues to grow in love. Another thing it does not mean is that the Christian no longer relies on grace, actually the Christian who is perfected in love relies on grace more. Simply put then, Christian perfecti...more
Richard Cleary
I don't understand Wesley's doctrine of "Christian perfection" as a doctrine advocating his own or any believers perfect sinlessness in this age. He never seemed to deny that possibility, but it wasn't his teaching. I would deny that possibility. Because he wasn't teaching sinlessness, I don't think the word "perfect" was or is helpful in teaching what he did. To his credit, the King James Bible (and others) does apply at least once or more the word "perfect" to men who are not sinless, but whol...more
John Barbour
Apr 09, 2011 John Barbour rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All Christians
This is an excellent book that I used as a devotional. It is a compilation of John Wesley's reflections on the subject of entire sanctification from the years 1722-1777. Christian perfection or entire sanctification is loving God with all of your heart soul, mind, and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself.

The idea of entire sanctification is in contrast to the idea of total depravity. Even as sin had affected every area of our lives before Christ; so in Christ, God desires us to be sanct...more
Devan
Wanted to read this because I'm joining a Church of the Nazarene, a Wesleyan-Holiness denomination, in a few months. Wesley's account of Christian Perfection - a distinct Wesleyan doctrine which is defined by Wesley as:

"The loving [of] God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. This implies, that no wrong temper, none contrary to love, remains in the soul; and that all the thoughts, words, and actions are governed by pure love."

I found myself in general agreeing with Wesley. He is often m...more
Matthias
like the title says, this book lays out the ideas surrounding living in perfection in this life. while the author shies away from the term "sinless living," it's what he means.

he does allow that someone who found their way into christian perfection would still be subject to making mistakes.

when i first asked my ex-pastor about this idea i was sure there was no such thing. he surprised me and suggested the book. i read it and wesley does make his case. my ex-pastor said that if someone came into...more
Daniel
Feb 20, 2013 Daniel added it
What does it mean to be perfect as a Christian? (to love God and love your neighbor)
Simon
Very good. A challenging read, and an important work on sanctification. Not sure I entirely agree with some of the detail, but I do think that God does transform us, and I suppose he can completely sanctify us.
Thomas Kinsfather
Wesley argues that when a believer is dedicated to following Christ he will cease from sinning. Wesley claims to have attained this pinnacle himself as well as several of his friends.

This book is a classic example of ungrace, guilt, and spiritual elitism. It offers no hope for those struggling in sin. The implication is that you have failed as a Christian is sin is still present in your life in any way. The Apostle John is clear that John Wesley is lying when he claims to be sinlessly perfect.
Mark
This book challenged my view of what a perfect Christian is. Though I still am not sure I believe all that is written, it definitely made me think.
Abby Young
May 21, 2013 Abby Young marked it as owned
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May 01, 2013 Jennifer Harley lucas marked it as to-read
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Apr 18, 2013 Andrea is currently reading it  ·  review of another edition
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John Wesley is recognized as the founder of Methodism. An acclaimed preacher, Wesley travelled extensively on horseback and drew large crowds for his outdoor sermons. A contemporary of William Wilberforce, Wesley was a strong voice opposing slavery in England and the United States. His influence upon modern Christianity can be seen by the large number of Methodist organizations in the Wesleyan tra...more
More about John Wesley...
John Wesley's Sermons: An Anthology John Wesley How To Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer The Journal of John Wesley Wesley's 52 Standard Sermons

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“Even in the greatest afflictions, we ought to testify to God, that, in receiving them from his hand, we feel pleasure in the midst of the pain, from being afflicted by Him who loves us, and whom we love.” 3 people liked it
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