Sanctification: Wesleyan View

Question 1

Wesleyan view of Sanctification

Answer 1

(“Christian perfection” or “entire sanctification”) in this view, the state of holiness begins at regeneration and is completed by an instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit [the baptism of the H.S.] subsequent to regeneration, in which the old Adamic sin nature is actually abolished. “Christian perfection…is nothing more and nothing less than a heart emptied of all sin and filled with a pure love to God and man” (Wiley, 2:511).

The baptism of the H.S. may include, but is not necessarily identified with the outward manifestation of speaking in tongues (though some in this tradition would make this identification). “Christian perfection” is not absolute moral perfection or perfection in knowledge, but a state in which the believer is freed from the power of sin, sin understood as a voluntary transgression of a known law of God.

Question 2

Matthew 5:48 (+Argument)

Answer 2

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Argument: Ge 17:1, Mt 5:48, Mk 12:30: God sets the highest possible spiritual standards for the lives of his people.

Question 3

Genesis 17:1 (+Argument)

Answer 3

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.

Argument: Ge 17:1, Mt 5:48, Mk 12:30: God sets the highest possible spiritual standards for the lives of his people.

Question 4

Mk 12:30 (+Argument)

Answer 4

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Argument: Ge 17:1, Mt 5:48, Mk 12:30: God sets the highest possible spiritual standards for the lives of his people.

Question 5

2 Cor 7:1

Answer 5

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion [perfection] in the fear of God.

Note: An apostolic admonition for the post-conversion state.

Question 6

List of verses supporting Wesleyan Sanctification

Answer 6

List of verses supporting Wesleyan Sanctification

1. Gen 17:1
2. Mt 5:48
3. Mk 12:30
4. 2 Cor 7:1