View

148

An Account of Christian Perfection

John Wesley

John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.

Wesley’s thoughts on Christian perfection, mirroring his own life and experience.

This tract, revised and expanded between 1725 and 1777, contains, according to the author, “a plain and distinct account of the steps by which I was led, during a course of many years, to embrace the doctrine of Christian perfection.” This important and difficult issue, central to Wesley’s thought, clearly developed and matured over time – in some ways mirroring his spiritual growth, and indeed that of any believer. Perfection is described as the culmination of sanctifying grace, where love is purified of all secondary motives, continually progressing, all unto and toward the glory of God. The work concludes with a series of “Brief Thoughts on Christian Perfection”, written in 1767.

Inspirational & Devotional

Christian Perfection