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6 pages/≈1650 words
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Religion & Theology
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Research Paper
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English (U.S.)
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Topic:

John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.

Research Paper Instructions:

Using the “Theologian Research Guide” posted on Blackboard, pick one theologian for each
paper whose name corresponds with the chosen topic. This individual’s writing will serve as primary source
material for this paper. Students are encouraged (but not required) to choose a figure that is part of his or her
denominational heritage or a topic of interest to his or her tradition. (6-7 pages total)
First, select one of the assigned author’s shorter writings (80-100 pages) appropriate to the assigned topic and
explore how s/he's work shaped the theological topic. Provide a summary of this material. It may be helpful to
refer to a systematic theology book (see “Systematic Theology Texts” for a list of books in our library), a
theological dictionary, or another author’s writing on the theologian. Such sources are intended to supplement
the student’s reading of the theologian, not replace reading the theologian. Students are not to use a writing that
is already part of the required course readings. (3 pages)
Second, interact with the theologian’s argument. Compare and contrast this with your own growing theological
perspective or tradition. (3 pages)
Third, respond to ONE of the following: (1/2 page)
• Refer to the journal question used during the week this theological topic was introduced in class. How
might this theologian respond to this question?
• Imagine a church or community of Christians shaped by this theologian's writings. What commitments,
values, or practices might characterize these people? In other words, how might this theologian shape
the lived theology of these people?

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John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection
Part 1: Summary
Christian perfection is attainable according to Wesley. In his account of how he perceives the matters of the Godly kingdom, he thinks Christians should agonize and pursue perfection for that is what their Father expects of them. He defines perfection as ‘that love of God and our neighbor, which implies deliverance from all sin’ (51). Therefore, in his perception of how Christians should conduct themselves, he expects them to show total love for God such that they are unable to sin. It is a concept debated by many, but Wesley asserted that it is a requirement of the kingdom that was tasked to all Christians. He adds that Jesus would not suggest or expect Christians to achieve perfection if he knew they could not, hence it should be a goal envisioned by all Christians.
This total perfection is an expectation God has over all Christians, and it gives them entire sanctification. Since it is an expectation God has over Christians, it is not a choice for believers. He points out an instruction Jesus gave to the church that they should ‘be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.’ Since perfection is attainable, believers must strive to reach spiritual maturity. He also points out that if a person has not achieved total perfection, he/she is not into Godly kingdom entirely. Wesley instructs Christians that they must be ready to serve God with every part of their lives else they have apportioned the devil part of their lives. Apportioning ourselves to the devil is not Gods expectation, and he quotes the first and second commandments; ‘I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Wesley describes perfect Christians as those who are ‘grown spiritually.’
Wesley uses the concept of ‘grown’ Christians in the new testament as an equivalent to perfection. He describes grown Christians as those who have been ‘freed from all evil thoughts and evil tempers’ (24). He also uses the word ‘mature’ to describe perfected Christians. He uses biblical references to show that Paul was a perfected believer and that every ‘mature, grown or perfect’ believer ought to be ‘delivered from inward as well as from outward sin’ (24).
Wesley points out that even a perfect Christian is in some ways not perfect. He believed that even the perfect Christians are in a sense, imperfect because they are not free from ‘ignorance, nor from some mistakes … They are not free from infirmities, such as weaknesses or slowness of understanding, irregular quickness or heaviness of imagination.’ He understands that a believer’s life is not entirely perfect in some ways and concludes that even the perfect Christians cannot avoid thinking wrong. He also adds that these actions may be not be considered as sinful if they are founded in love. He uses this concept to show that we all need Jesus blood to atone for our sins irrespective of our level of perfection.
He also points out that believers’ imperfection is not immune to Gods punishment and wrath and therefore that is why believers need blood a...
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