Christian Perfection/Entire Sactification

[theseed]

What does it exactly mean? I've read a wikipedia article about it.

Does it mean that we could live a life without sin, and should strive to do so?

And/Or does it mean that we can be from original sin and purify our "flesh"? But we would still be subject to tempation as Christ was?

BTW, I work in a small town, where a Nazarene church is really popular.

[sinner/SAVED]

Christian Perfection = perfect in love. (Not that I have already attained this. Phi. 3:12) Love is the greatest gift. As we move forward in the sanctifying grace of Christ we will display love in our life. Love of God and love of neighbor. When we reach a point where all of our intentional actions are done in love then we can be said to be perfect. (Christ's word, not mine. Mat. 5:48)

The idea of Christian perfection does not at all suggest that we are mentally or physically perfect or that we are immune to mistakes. But Jesus said we must be perfect. If Jesus said it, it must be possible, right?

Justifying grace saves us from Sin. Sanctifying grace can save us from sins. (Again, not that I have already attained this. Just saying...)

[theseed]

Christian Perfection = perfect in love. (Not that I have already attained this. Phi. 3:12) Love is the greatest gift. As we move forward in the sanctifying grace of Christ we will display love in our life. Love of God and love of neighbor. When we reach a point where all of our intentional actions are done in love then we can be said to be perfect. (Christ's word, not mine. Mat. 5:48)

The idea of Christian perfection does not at all suggest that we are mentally or physically perfect or that we are immune to mistakes. But Jesus said we must be perfect. If Jesus said it, it must be possible, right?

Justifying grace saves us from Sin. Sanctifying grace can save us from sins. (Again, not that I have already attained this. Just saying...)
Another translation is also that we must be complete (Matt. 5:48), but I don't think it changes the meaning here--not at least as you use it.

[silentpoet]

It is as my pastor described it, theoretically possible with the help of the Holy Spirit, to get to a point where you can live a sinless life.

But my observation of even the most holy people I know or know of reveals sin. I can think of one in particular that was what I would consider a model of holiness and still fell short.

I think if one was "perfect" temptation would even increase because the devil would not resist such a target.

[Sunrunner]

I believe it's possible for us to live sinless lives through the power of Christ... unbroken and continuous victory through Him. I'm far from this total victory, but I do believe it's possible.

[HeatherJay]

What does it exactly mean? I've read a wikipedia article about it.

Does it mean that we could live a life without sin, and should strive to do so?

And/Or does it mean that we can be from original sin and purify our "flesh"? But we would still be subject to tempation as Christ was?

BTW, I work in a small town, where a Nazarene church is really popular.
In a nutshell, it means "a true heart change." It means that a heart once bent toward sin (thanks to Adam) can be instead bent toward righteousness (thanks to the Holy Spirit). It's not about being sinless in the same sense as Jesus was sinless...it's about recognizing that the Holy Spirit gives us power over sin...sin no longer has a foot hold if your heart is in the right place.

Anyway, it's nothing weird or scary. :P


BTW, I go to the exact church that you're talking about...it's a fantastic church. It's popular because the people are wonderful, the kids program is outstanding, the preacher is just great...I love everything about it. You should come by and visit if your curious. We'd love to have you. :thumbsup:

[theseed]

Christian Perfection = perfect in love. (Not that I have already attained this. Phi. 3:12) Love is the greatest gift. As we move forward in the sanctifying grace of Christ we will display love in our life. Love of God and love of neighbor. When we reach a point where all of our intentional actions are done in love then we can be said to be perfect. (Christ's word, not mine. Mat. 5:48)

So, we sin less and and love more? Our works of rightousness are works of love and/or works related to love?

[theseed]

BTW, I go to the exact church that you're talking about...it's a fantastic church. It's popular because the people are wonderful, the kids program is outstanding, the preacher is just great...I love everything about it. You should come by and visit if your curious. We'd love to have you. :thumbsup:

I'll consider it.

[theseed]

In a nutshell, it means "a true heart change." It means that a heart once bent toward sin (thanks to Adam) can be instead bent toward righteousness (thanks to the Holy Spirit). It's not about being sinless in the same sense as Jesus was sinless...it's about recognizing that the Holy Spirit gives us power over sin...sin no longer has a foot hold if your heart is in the right place.


It's similar to santification in Reformed theology.We have a new nature and new desires, but the key difference is that Nazarenes don't believe that Christians will always persevere? Or in other words--Once saved always saved?

[sinner/SAVED]

So, we sin less and and love more? Our works of rightousness are works of love and/or works related to love?

One result of loving more would have to be sinning less. The results should be directly proportional.

But this "heart change" as HeatherJay calls it is not possible through our own efforts. This change is a work of grace.

Jesus didn't come to save us just from the penalty of our sins. He came to save us from our sins, now, today, if only we let Him.

[sinner/SAVED]

It's similar to santification in Reformed theology.We have a new nature and new desires, but the key difference is that Nazarenes don't believe that Christians will always persevere? Or in other words--Once saved always saved?

The Holy Spirit instills in us a new nature and new desires, but in humans, natures and desires have a tendency to change with the wind.

[HeatherJay]

It's similar to santification in Reformed theology.We have a new nature and new desires, but the key difference is that Nazarenes don't believe that Christians will always persevere? Or in other words--Once saved always saved?
We don't believe once saved always saved, no...but we do believe that if we are lost, it is through our own choice.

In other words, we believe that God will never take back the gift of grace He freely offered us...but free will (also a gift from God) will always allow us to CHOOSE to give the gift back. God won't force us into heaven if we don't want to be there. :)