The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #027 Perfection (part 1 of 2)

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This podcast is the first of two parts covering Chapter 19 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning the doctrine of perfection.

Today, it is common to misunderstand the meaning of the words “perfect” and “perfection” as they were used in Shewen’s time. These words most often meant “fully developed” (complete) and “full development”, specifically with reference to the Spirit.
In the Holy Scriptures there are many citations to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God and pressing forward to its attainment, and full growth to the measure of becoming a “perfect” man in Christ Jesus (i.e. spiritually fully developed).

The Holy Scriptures contain exhortations for holiness and perfection. They also give testimonies of those who obeyed and obtained holiness and perfection. The true Christian understands that these are attainable today, can be obeyed, and the heavenly treasure truly enjoyed even while physically here.

This is a sound doctrine that the Christian in name only does not understand. He says there is no “perfection” here. There is no growing up to the stature of the fullness of Christ. This is the language of the nominal Christian. He pretends to honor Scriptures and holy men. However, the true Christian has passed through the work of regeneration and has experienced the work of the Spirit of God in his own heart until he is fully saved through grace and has gained victory over what has made him sinful and defiled. He comes to know the true Sabbath of rest. He no longer speaks or does his own will or works. Yet, his own will, thoughts and desires must be watched and subjected to the will of God, as Christ left an example when He prayed to His Father “Not my will, but thine”. In this heavenly self-denial (ego renouncing) and true resignation (submission to God) stand the perfection and safety of the true Christian, all done through the power and spiritual appearance of the second Adam, Christ in him.

The true Christian has come to cease from his own thoughts, words, and works, his own way and will, and his own wisdom and knowledge. He has come to this state through the work of regeneration, true self-denial and resignation, i.e., to that state that Paul was in when he said “I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me…”. This is the “perfection” the true Christian arrives at, to know that Christ lives in him where sin and death once reigned. This is a “perfect” state and has been, is, and can be obtained, according to the Holy Scriptures and the testimony of the true Christian.
References:

• The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
• The quote in our introduction was from Romans Chapter 12, verse 2, Good News Translation.

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