Definition and Overview:
Perfectionism, in a theological context, refers to the belief or pursuit of a state of spiritual or moral perfection. This concept can manifest in various ways, including the belief that Christians can achieve a sinless state in this life or the pursuit of flawless adherence to God's commandments. The idea of perfectionism is often associated with holiness movements and certain interpretations of sanctification.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 5:48 · "Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." This verse is often cited in discussions of perfectionism, as Jesus calls His followers to emulate the perfection of God. The Greek word for "perfect" (τέλειος, teleios) can also mean "complete" or "mature," suggesting a call to spiritual maturity rather than absolute sinlessness.

2. Philippians 3:12-14 · "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." The Apostle Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection, emphasizing the ongoing process of spiritual growth and striving toward the goal of Christlikeness.

3. 1 John 1:8-10 · "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us." This passage underscores the reality of human sinfulness and the need for continual confession and reliance on God's grace.

4. Hebrews 10:14 · "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This verse highlights the completed work of Christ in perfecting believers through His sacrifice, while also acknowledging the ongoing process of sanctification.

Theological Perspectives:

· Wesleyan Perfectionism: Rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, this view holds that Christians can achieve a state of "Christian perfection" or entire sanctification, characterized by perfect love and the absence of willful sin. Wesleyan theology emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live holy lives.

· Reformed Theology: In contrast, Reformed theology generally rejects the notion of achieving sinless perfection in this life, emphasizing the doctrine of total depravity and the ongoing struggle against sin. Sanctification is viewed as a progressive work of God's grace, with ultimate perfection realized only in glorification.

· Holiness Movements: Emerging in the 19th century, various holiness movements have advocated for the possibility of living a sinless life through a second work of grace or baptism of the Holy Spirit. These movements often stress the importance of personal holiness and ethical living.

Practical Implications:

Perfectionism can lead to both positive and negative outcomes in the Christian life. On the positive side, the pursuit of holiness and spiritual maturity can motivate believers to grow in their faith and live in obedience to God's commands. However, an unhealthy focus on perfectionism can result in legalism, self-righteousness, or despair when individuals inevitably fall short of their ideals. It is essential for Christians to balance the call to holiness with an understanding of God's grace and forgiveness, recognizing that perfection is ultimately found in Christ alone.1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
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James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
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1 Kings 8:46
If they sin against you, (for there is no man that sins not,) and you be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives to the land of the enemy, far or near;
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Sanctification.
... 1. It is objected, that the doctrine of entire and permanent sanctification
in this life, tends to the errors of modern perfectionism. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xl sanctification.htm

Christian Standing and Christian Progress
... i. We have here a strong, and at the same time a most tender, warning against all
approaches to a theoretical "perfectionism." Under that word, as I am well ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter ix christian standing and.htm

Index.
... Pelagianism, 456. Penal sanction of God's law, 209. Penalty in human government,
224, 260. Perfectionism, 455. Perseverance, condition of justification, 391. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/index 2.htm

Letter i. To the Bishop of Aquileia.
... is well chosen and not a random one: for pride and presumption are at the root of
the Pelagian views as birth-sin and baptismal grace: perfectionism is little ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/letter i to the bishop.htm

Analysis of Arminian Methodism
... conversion. [1706]. 3. The last and crowning doctrine of Methodism, in which
the Quakers likewise preceded it, is Perfectionism. It ...
/.../ 111 analysis of arminian.htm

The Positive Side
... is. [6]. The controversy which has raged over Rom.7 is largely the fruitage
of the Perfectionism of Wesley and his followers. That ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the positive side.htm

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is ...
... that the moment the doctrine of the Bible respecting sanctification is crowded on
the church, one and another cries out, "Why, this is Perfectionism." But I ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be ye therefore perfect even.htm

INDEX TO VOL. I.
... 379. Pelargus, [1153]556. Penn (William), [1154]861, [1155]868. Perfectionism,
[1156]900. Perkins (William), [1157]659. Perrone, [1158 ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/index to vol i.htm

Subject Index.
... Pentecost, 112. miracle, 112. signs not symbolic, 129. signs real, 128. Perfectionism,
468. Person sanctified, the, 490. Personal petitions, 629. talent, 38. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/subject index.htm

Obedience to the Moral Law.
... away what is really implied in it, as to leave nothing in its requirements, but
a sickly, whimsical, inefficient sentimentalism, or perfectionism, which in its ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xi obedience to the.htm

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