God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

Some of the Ways in Which Christians Disagree about Sanctification (continued)

C. Arguments for:

1. It is commanded by Jesus and the Apostles

Matt. 5.48 - “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Compare with Apostle’s injunction (1 John 5.3 - This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome).

2. It is the logical implication of what happens when an all-powerful God sets his Spirit to work against sin in our lives.

3. It seems to be frequently assumed by Scripture to be what happens in the life of the believer.

4. Romans 7 – This passage is understood as describing Paul’s experience before conversion.

D. Most important historical proponent: John Wesley (who learned from the Puritan writer William Law)

E. Key Document: “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.”

Wesley’s key concern was to avoid conceding the possibility of perfection because he felt it impugned God’s nature and power. (Don’t say that God cannot or will not do what he clearly desires). It is an issue of faith for Wesley. Even if he had never seen this happen he would still believe in God’s ability to accomplish his desire for our holiness.