Sinless perfection in this life - really?

I was asked by a reader to discuss the doctrine held by some denominations that basically says: "It is possible to reach a state of sinless perfection in this life". After researching this a bit, it is clear that some who's theology find its roots in the Wesleyan tradition, such as Seventh Day Adventists, as well as some Pentecostals, would affirm this statement. It is also clear that this is not a doctrine that is held by all who claim affiliation with these denominations.

The issue at hand is the biblical doctrine of sanctification. In looking for information on who held to the notion of  "sinless perfection in this life", I came across an article that gave great insight into who holds to this doctrine and also evaluates it along with other commonly held views on sanctification.

I have placed a link below to the article. I personally believe the positions presented as "The Reformed View" and the author's view, referred to as "My view", have much merit in terms of properly understanding the biblical doctrine of sanctification.

Read and decide for yourself!

5 views of sanctification

A Jesus quote to ponder!

Jesus prays this to His Father, regarding His disciples -

John 17:18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 

If Jesus has sent us "as" He was sent by the Father, what might we expect our lives to look like?



Bonus - another Matt Papa song!

 "Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Matt Papa - Open Hands!

A Great Quote on Evangelism and Missions!

In regard to doing evangelism and missions, authors Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, in their book Everyday Church,  suggest that the Bible's prescribed way of reaching the lost is not primarily by inviting people to evangelistic events, but rather:

"Our lives are the evangelistic events. Our life together is the apologetic."

They are not advocating a wordless gospel that expects people to comprehend the truth simply through seeing our good works. What they discuss at length in the book is that Christians should live a very different lifestyle, individually and collectively, which actually gets the attention of the lost as it displays the power of the gospel we proclaim.

1 Peter 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

In a time when Christians are often quick to complain about the state of the world and how we are treated by it, it is no wonder that we primarily rely on events and programs to present the gospel. If we were to make our individual and collective lives the main means of witnessing to the world, we might tend to make the gospel less believable, as our often self-centered lifestyles and lack of unity as Christ's church, would hardly seem to confirm the truth.

By God's grace, may we seek to be His witness and His church, as we interact with each other and the world throughout our daily lives!

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Seperating faith from life is impossible!

A well know writer was shocked to find that Paul Ryan believed a person's faith will make an absolute difference in their life, including their political decisions. I think many people are able to hold the beliefs of their church or religions separate from their lives and decisions, but only because they aren't what they personally believe. What we really believe (about God and everything else) will absolutely affect what we think, say, feel and do. Paul Ryan's democratic counterpart, Joe Biden, who is a Catholic as is Paul Ryan, is a good example of this. His church officially believes abortion is wrong, but Joe Biden believes it is perfectly acceptable. Has Joe Biden separated his beliefs from his public/political life? Not at all, he is acting on what he believes personally over what his church believes officially.

I would suggest that everyone does what they think is best according to what they believe every single time without exception and I challenge anyone to give an example to the contrary.

If you ever find yourself thinking that you acted against your beliefs, you need to reconsider if you really believe what you think you do or why even for a moment, you chose to believe otherwise and act accordingly.

Here is Al Mohler's original blog article -

Of Babies and Beans

Great Message from Voddie Bauchum

I saw this video posted on the Truth Matters blog and just had to re-post it! Voddie Bauchum does a great job of exegeting Acts 17 and demonstrating Paul's willingness to confront the culture, rather than adapt to it.