Perfect Love #3 : How is Christian Perfection Aquired?

Perhaps at this point it is most helpful to turn our attention to how the Christian may be made perfect in the love of God. It is important to note that many traditions accept that sanctification begins in most lives at the time of our coming to faith. Yet, according to Wesley and many within the Wesleyan tradition a second work of grace does occur after we come to a saving faith. This work of grace so fills us with God’s love and so cleanses and weds our hearts to his that we are made able, in his power, to keep the will of God in our lives. Yet, the question remains; “How is this work of grace within our lives acquired?”

The consensus among both theologians in the Wesleyan tradition and many of the early Church fathers includes to points. Two ingredients, according to these sources, are required. They may not always be practiced formally, and God does not depend on us doing these things. He may sanctify our hearts at any time if he so chooses. Yet, the following are offered by Wesley and others as practical steps believers may take as they seek to be made perfect in God’s love.

1) An Act of Consecration: Perhaps a better word for our day might be dedication. To consecrate something means to set it aside. In scripture consecrated things are often people or items that have been given over wholly to God. Practically, this means that we as Christians must lay all of ourselves before God. We must give every area of our life to him.

2) Continual Prayer: Many have testified that God made them perfect in love or sanctified them when they gave all of themselves to him. In other words, they sought the blessing of God’s grace in a moment and received it in a moment. Unfortunately, experience teaches us that perfect love is not normally achieved so easily. In fact, it is quite common for believers to pray for years for this work to come to their life. Make no mistake, however, those who earnestly seek the gift of sharing God’s heart and will in prayer are far more likely to receive it than those who never ask at all.

It is certainly helpful to remember at this time, however, that a state of perfect love is not a static state (once it is gained it is not complete). Nor is perfect love a state in which we grow by degrees. For every Christian, as Wesley points out, Christian Perfection means something different. For every Christian God’s perfect grace is experienced differently. Yet, Wesley would strongly affirm, Christian Perfection is for every Christian. The reason that many never experience this grace is that 1) it is not preached and 2) it is not sought out. Nonetheless, Wesley if he was here would thunder that this perfect love is for all who have tasted the salvation of Jesus Christ. If only they would seek it…