TITLE

COMMENTS

The Perfection of Believers in this Life

James Arminius

A brief commentary by James Arminius on his views of the perfection of believers in this life through the experience of salvation. He is defending his theology against the charge of Pelagianism and uses arguments from Augustine to support his position that the grace of Christ and the free will of man in cooperation with that grace enable the Christian to live the life God intends.

Christian Perfection

John Wesley

A sermon by John Wesley in which he explores the biblical concept of Christian Perfection. He addresses what perfection IS and what it is NOT. Mr. Wesley also addresses objections to this teaching, most of which are still brought up today. This sermon is of great historical importance because it is one of the first logical explanations of Christian Perfection since the time of the Apostles.

On Perfection

John Wesley

A sermon by John Wesley. Wesley understands holiness and perfection to be the same thing. He explains Christian perfection and then answers some objections. This message supplements the original teaching of Mr. Wesley on this topic.

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

John Wesley

This is the final and definitive work by John Wesley on the subject of Christian Perfection. It is a defense and recapitulation of all the Mr. Wesley taught on the subject and it contains extracts from various sermons and tracts that he wrote.

Fletcher on Christian Perfection

John Fletcher

John Fletcher was the defender of John Wesley and essentially the first theologian of the Wesleyan movement. In this tract, Mr. Fletcher explains Christian Perfection and presents a sound biblical apology for, not just the belief, the experience and reality of Christian Perfection.

Christian Perfection

Asa Mahan, D.D.

Written in 1839 by Dr. Mahan, whose theological background was not Wesleyan, this book is one of the clearest and most concise discussions of Christian Perfection (also known as Holiness and Entire Sanctification) ever written. Dr. Mahan discusses this subject in eight chapters giving precise scriptural analysis to the topic and addresses the most common objections. This is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the scriptural view of holiness.

Christian Perfection

Charles G. Finney

A sermon by Finney from 1837 dealing with the subject of Christian Perfection. His five points are: (1) to show what Christian Perfection is not, (2) to show what is the perfection required, (3) to show that perfection is a duty, (4) to show that it is attainable, and (5) to answer some objections. Finney equates sanctification, perfection, and holiness. "Too long has the church been in the habit of thinking that the great design of the gospel is, to save men from the punishment of sin, whereas its real design and object is to deliver men FROM SIN."

A Defense of Christian Perfection

Daniel Steele

Published in 1896, this book is Daniel Steele's criticism of a book titled Growth in Holiness Toward Perfection written by Dr. James Mudge. The Methodist Episcopal Church was undergoing theological changes at this time, departing from its Wesleyan-Arminian roots, Steele defends the traditional view of Christian perfection long held by Methodism and passed on to the new Holiness Movement in the United States.

This is a good read and valuable lessons can be learned from Dr. Steele's work as present day holiness churches are fighting the same battle Dr. Steele fought over one hundred years earlier. Sadly, the Methodist Church lost the battle in favor of modernism; let's pray that holiness people will not follow in its steps.

J. A. Wood

Written in 1880, this book is a re-write of a book by the same title that Wood wrote in 1860. "Our work has been to systematize, state more clearly, make stronger, enlarge, and add other important items."

Wood wrote this book in a catechetical form with 228 questions, each followed by an answer. The content covers Biblical, practical, and historical support and teaching on the topic of Perfect Love, which is the essence of Christian Perfection.

His last question is: 228. Will you relate your experience of regeneration, and of entire sanctification." This is his personal testimony; it is not unlike many present day testimonies on salvation from sin and holy living through the power of God.

The Present Possession of Perfection in First John

Ora D. Lovell

This is an excellent and brief analysis of the concept of perfection presented in the First Epistle of John. Lovell shows that understanding the grammar used by John is important for understanding the doctrine, and once understood, it makes more than a compelling case for the truth of perfection. The atonement provides both pardon for sins committed and cleansing from sinful corruption. There is no such thing as growth into holiness; there is only a transformation into holiness.