The Scope of Entire Sanctification – Reflections on Wesley
Written by Lesallan – February 4, 2024
Ohio Christian University
THE3360 Theology of John Wesley (ONLSP24)
Dr. Steven Gerig
The Scope of Entire Sanctification – Reflections on Wesley
One of the most influential figures in the Methodist movement was John Wesley, an English theologian and cleric. He is renowned for his significant contributions to the Christian faith and his emphasis on the doctrine of holiness. One of his most notable teachings is the concept of “entire sanctification,” which has sparked numerous theological discussions. This essay explores Wesley’s beliefs about entire sanctification, particularly how it leads us towards perfection and the areas it does not touch (Wesley, 2017). John Wesley, an Anglican cleric and theologian, was central to the 18th-century Methodist movement. His teachings and writings have profoundly influenced Christian theology, particularly within Methodism. John Wesley, a prominent figure in Christian theology, made a significant impact by introducing the concept of “entire sanctification” or “Christian perfection.” According to Wesley, this state denotes pure love, righteousness, and true holiness, which is attainable by every regenerate believer (Wesley, 2017). It involves loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40, KJV). However, Wesley also acknowledges that entire sanctification does not make us immune to ignorance, mistakes, and physical ailments. As he states in his Sermon 40, “There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offense than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear” (Wesley, 1872).
John Wesley, an Anglican cleric and theologian, was central to the 18th-century Methodist movement. His theological teachings and writings have profoundly influenced Christian theology, particularly within Methodism. One of Wesley’s most notable contributions to Christian theology is his concept of “entire sanctification” or “Christian perfection.” In his works “Christian Perfection” and “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection” (Wesley, J., 2017). In his thorough analysis of complete sanctification, Wesley proposes that it is the embodiment of perfect love, righteousness, and true holiness that all reborn believers can achieve. This encompasses loving God with every fiber of our being and loving others as we do ourselves.
However, Wesley also acknowledges that entire sanctification does not make us immune to ignorance, mistakes, and physical ailments (Wesley, 2017). As he states in his Sermon 40, “There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offense than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear” (Wesley, 1872). Despite this, Wesley argues that attaining entire sanctification is a realistic possibility for all who believe. He emphasizes that it is not a state of sinlessness but rather a state of complete devotion to God, where a believer’s sin is not willful or habitual but unintentional and infrequent.
Furthermore, Wesley’s concept of entire sanctification has been recognized as an essential contribution to Christian theology, as it seeks to promote a life of holiness and righteousness, which is essential for a meaningful relationship with God. Wesley’s teachings on the doctrine of entire sanctification emphasize the active pursuit of a life devoted to God. The transformational power of the Holy Spirit within believers’ lives is also highlighted as an essential component of this pursuit. This perspective underscores the need for a continuous and intentional effort toward spiritual growth and development that results in a state of complete conformity to the likeness of Christ.
In summary, John Wesley’s concept of entire sanctification or Christian perfection significantly contributes to Christian theology, particularly within Methodism. His teachings emphasize the importance of a life of holiness and righteousness, which is attainable for all believers through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Wesley’s perspectives on the concept of entire sanctification are illuminating and thought-provoking. His emphasis on love as the core of Christian perfection is a powerful reminder of the fundamental essence of the Christian faith. However, his assertion that believers can attain perfection in this life is a contention among theologians. It raises questions about the nature of human imperfection and the role of grace in our spiritual journey. While agreement can be found in his emphasis on love, reservations about the attainability of perfection can be found. Our human imperfections constantly remind us of our need for grace. This belief aligns with the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Thus, while Wesley’s concept of entire sanctification is compelling, it also invites us to reflect on the paradox of perfection in imperfection. John Wesley’s concept of entire sanctification provides a profound understanding of Christian perfection. While his views are subject to debate, they nonetheless offer valuable insights into the nature of Christian life and the pursuit of holiness. This exploration invites us to reflect on our spiritual journey and the role of grace in our lives. John Wesley’s teachings on “entire sanctification” or “Christian perfection” provide a profound understanding of the Christian faith. His emphasis on love, righteousness, and holiness as the core tenets of Christian perfection underscores the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit. While Wesley acknowledges the human propensity for ignorance and mistakes, he firmly believes in every believer’s potential to attain perfect love and devotion to God. His teachings serve as a powerful reminder of the essence of the Christian faith and the pursuit of a life of holiness and righteousness. Wesley’s concept of entire sanctification is crucial in Christian theology, particularly in Methodism. It pushes believers to strive for perfection in their love for God and their neighbors, thus enriching their spiritual journey. This idea of Christian perfection continues to inspire and challenge followers to pursue it.
References:
King James Bible Online. (2018). OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION (KJV). Kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
Wesley, J. (2017). A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. Createspace Independent Publishing
Platform.
Wesley, J. (2023). The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 40 – Christian Perfection. Whdl.org. https://nbc.whdl.org/sites/default/files/resource/book/EN_John_Wesley_040_christian_perfection.htm
The concept of “entire sanctification” is a view held by John Wesley that taught that Christians could attain perfection in this life. It is also called Christian perfection or perfect love, meaning to be cleansed from all sin and filled with the love of God. It is based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (KJV).
