John Wesley's Sermon On Christian Perfection

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As one digs deep into writings of John Wesley, they can quickly see his strides to social justice, evangelism, and personal holiness. If there was one portion of his theology that many wrestled with when it came to John Wesley, it was more than likely his thoughts and ideas on Christian Perfection. Many were afraid to write about being perfect once finding Christ, however John Wesley believed there was no difference between holiness and Christian Perfection. In his writing on Christian Perfection, Wesley pleads his case for those who have found Christ to be found as perfect and no longer sinful. One of the key scriptures that John Wesley references in his sermon on Christian Perfection comes from 1 John 3:3. The scripture reads, “And everyone …show more content…

I am a Methodist thru and thru, however this idea of Christian Perfection seems so far off from being attainable. I know for me as a Christian today, I still sin; does this mean I am not truly saved?
When I was in college I went through a season of my life where I truly wrestled with my faith and the ability to be sin free. I was reading through the book of 1 John, the book that Wesley references in his sermon on Christian Perfection. During this time of studying the scriptures I felt this strong sense of, “Was I really a Christian if I was still sinning?” There was a short time that I believed that I was not, so I thought I needed to pray and ask Jesus to save me. It was a real faith crisis, one that truly shook what I believed.
So here I am over ten years later facing the same question, am I a Christian even though I am still sinning ten years later? I would say yes, however according to Wesley once we are saved we are sin free on the outside and in. I wonder if anyone has ever gotten to this place? Now, I will say that I have come along way in ten years in regards to sins, and being more sanctified, however to become perfect? I am not sure that this is possible. I mean, when I think perfection, I think Christ, and yes I am called to be an imitator of Christ however can perfection be

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