Church of the Nazarene Doctrine

I was born and raised in the Church of the Nazarene and I continue to be involved with it in many ways. My grandparents have left after being members for over 65 years and my aunt after 50 years. My aunt said, "I love the doctrine but the people just aren't living it". The Nazarene church is unique among so many churches because of their strong belief in Entire Sanctification. I strongly believe in entire sanctification but keep in mind that does not mean outward perfection. Below is from the Wikipedia on The Doctrine In Wesley

Perfection, is the process of sanctification, a work of grace. To Wesley, sanctification is grace led spiritual growth. Christian perfection, according to Wesley, is "purity of intention, dedicating all the life to God" and "the mind which was in Christ, enabling us to walk as Christ walked." It is "loving God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves" (A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 109). It is "a restoration not only to the favour, but likewise to the image of God," our "being filled with the fullness of God" (The End of Christ's Coming, 482).

Wesley was clear that Christian perfection did not imply perfection of bodily health or an infallibility of judgment. It also does not mean we no longer violate the will of God, for involuntary transgressions remain. Perfected Christians remain subject to temptation, and have continued need to pray for forgiveness and holiness. It is not an absolute perfection but a perfection in love. Furthermore, Wesley did not teach a salvation by perfection, but rather says that, "Even perfect holiness is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ." (A Plain Account of Christian Perfection)

Wesley did not use perfection to describe sinlessness. Similarly, perfection is not the state of being unable to sin, but rather the state of choosing not to sin. Wesley's perfection represents a change of life, a freedom from willful rebellion against God, impure intentions, and pride. Wesley also did not view perfection as permanent.

This is a poem that Wesley taught to his followers, lest they forget the doctrine of Christian Perfection;

Do all the good you can to all the people you can, at all the times you can, in all the ways you can, by all the means you can, as long as ever you can.

04-25-2008 17:29

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