The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #028 Perfection (part 2 of 2)

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This podcast is the second 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.

The true Christian has traveled through the work of the new creation. He witnesses his transformation, regeneration, true self-denial and resignation. He can speak of perfection in truth and righteousness. Let all who speak of perfection with their tongues see that they are in that faith. This state the apostle Paul was in when he said “when I am weak then I am strong… “. Such words are riddles to the carnal mind but revealed to those who are weaned from this world. Therefore, anyone who wishes to become “perfect” must become as new born babes, divorced from all self-will, thoughts, imaginings and the like.

In Eden, Adam was to tend the garden in the will, wisdom and power of God, with no covering other than God’s spirit. His happiness stood in this, and likewise the true Christian’s happiness now. But when Adam let his own will and desire come forth, and he desired to know and be wise for himself, this let temptation in. He disobeyed God under a hope of bettering his state, believing the serpent who said, “You shall be as gods, you shall not die”. Death then entered in. He lost the inward and spiritual life and image of God. Now he was aware of his nakedness and shame and attempted to cover himself. This is true among all the children of men who remain in the transgressing state of the first Adam.

The state of “perfection” that the children of the second Adam (Christ) are in is a true self-denial and resignation (i.e., submission) to the will of God. He is a “perfect” man in Christ, being now in a state of innocence, harmlessness, and uprightness. He has given up his own mind, will, thoughts, and desires for the will of God. His mind is now the mind of Christ, is stayed upon Him where there is perfect peace. In this state of true resignation and unity with the Father’s will, stand the true Christian’s safety and “perfection”. And as he lives and remains in this state of perfection, he is clothed with the spirit of glory and humility. Among these true Christians there is no strife over who shall be the greatest. Though they are elders and have crowns on their heads, they throw them down at the feet of Him who sits upon the throne, and they give glory to Him forevermore (Rev 4:10-11).

References:

• The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
• The quote in our introduction was paraphrased from the fourth chapter of Willia

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