John Wesley (1703-1791) firmly believed that God continued to work in
the life of the believer subsequent to justification. In "A Plain
Account of Christian Perfection," John Wesley provides an account of the
development of his understanding of the doctrine of Christian
Perfection. This short work contains a lucid explanation of the doctrine
with special attention not only to the Biblical promises and commands
that are the basis of the doctrine but also the practical way that
"perfect love" works in the life of the believer. While this work was
certainly intended to instruct those who were seeking "perfect love," it
also attempts to answer those who would deny the doctrine. The essence
of Christian Perfection, for John Wesley, was clearly defined by Christ
when an expert in the law asked him, "Teacher, which commandment in the
law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 23.36-40 NRSV) Here one sees
that, for John Wesley, the main point of Christian Perfection is
"perfect love." "Perfect love" thus defines our relationship to God and
others. "A Plain Account of Christian Perfection" is essential for those
in the Wesleyan tradition and a worthwhile read for those from other
Christian perspectives that wish to understand what John Wesley thinks
Christian Perfection is and is not.
