257 – Calling – The Error of Sinless Perfection

SEMESTER 4

257 – Calling – The Error of Sinless Perfection

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 57
THE DOCTRINE OF CALLING
(THE ERROR OF SINLESS PERFECTION)

INTRODUCTION:

The doctrine of practical sanctification is very incomplete without careful consideration of this frustrating heresy. It has been more popular in bygone days, perhaps because sin is discussed less aggressively today, but it is still no less erroneous and dangerous. Nothing could be more discouraging to the honest, intelligent Christian in a true pursuit of holiness.

I. THE DOCTRINE OF SINLESS PERFECTION DEFINED

1. It has been called the third act of grace, perfect love and sinless perfection.
2. Perhaps the most common term is “sanctified wholly.”
3. The meaning is that by one of three means the Christian attains sinless perfection and does not sin in any way.

i. Some claim this is by a determined pursuit.
ii. Some claim it is by cooperation of God and believers.
iii. Some claim it is by a special divine anointing.

II. REASONS WE MUST REJECT THIS DOCTRINE

1. Paul, whom God chose to make a human example refused to claim it for himself. (I Tim. 1:16)
2. He describes himself, even in old age, as sinful. (Rom. 7:14-24)
3. He clearly teaches that sinlessness does not come in this life. (Rom. 7:25)
4. He speaks of many things which cannot be said of an unsaved man. (Rom. 7:16 and 22)
5. Some have taught that Rom. 7 describes “saved but not sancti­fied,” and Rom. 8; “saved and sanctified.”

i. This perverts the meaning of Rom. 8:1 and 4.
ii. It ignores the state described. (Rom. 8:23)
iii. It fails to recognize the word therefore. (Rom. 8:1)

III. CASUAL BIBLE DOCTRINES AND STATEMENTS DENY IT

1. The recommended request for daily forgiveness. (Mat. 6:12)
2. The biblical doctrine of universal chastening. (Heb. 12:5-8)
3. James declares we sin in many things. (James 3:2)
4. John says if we deny it we are deceived. (I Jn. 1:8)

IV. WHAT OF THOSE SCRIPTURES THEY MISUSE

1. Those which refer to the believer as perfect. (Lk. 6:50, I Cor. 2:6, II Cor. 13:11, Eph. 4:11-12, Phil. 3:15, Col. 4:12, II Tim. 3:17)
2. These references are to uprightness and maturity, not sinless­ness. (Phil. 3:12 compared to Phi. 3:15)
3. Mat. 5:48 sets a goal not a state, as does the prayer of Paul in I Thes. 5:23.
4. The positional and progressive aspect of atonement. (I Jn. 1:7 through I Jn. 2:2)

V. PROPER EFFECTS OF PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICA­TION

1. A deep and progressive sense of unworthiness. (Job 40:4, Job 42:5-6, Eph. 3:8, Isa. 6:5, Phil. 3:12-15)
2. An increasing hatred for our own sin.
3. A growing interest in the means of grace
4. An increasing love for the things of God.