Overview

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection is John Wesley's seminal work on the doctrine of entire sanctification, a cornerstone of Methodist theology. In this treatise, Wesley argues that it is possible for Christians to attain a state of 'perfect love' for God and their neighbor in this earthly life. This perfection is not freedom from ignorance, mistake, or temptation, but a cleansing of the heart from the root of sin, resulting in an unbroken communion with God and a life governed by love. The book was written to explain this controversial doctrine, defend it against critics who accused Wesley of promoting sinless perfection, and provide a spiritual guide for his followers. It remains one of the most important and distinctive texts of the Wesleyan tradition, articulating a hopeful and transformative vision of the Christian life.

Summary

John Wesley's 'A Plain Account of Christian Perfection' is not a narrative but a carefully structured theological argument presented as a chronological collection of his own writings. The book begins by tracing the origins of his thoughts on the subject back to his time at Oxford in the 1720s, showing how his understanding was shaped by early Christian writers and scripture. Wesley then presents a series of tracts, letters, and sermon excerpts from the 1740s through the 1760s, which systematically build his case. He defines Christian perfection as 'the humble, gentle, patient love of God and our neighbour, ruling our tempers, words, and actions.' He carefully distinguishes this from 'Adamic' or 'angelic' perfection, stating that sanctified believers are still subject to ignorance, mistakes, bodily infirmities, and temptation. A key part of his argument is that while growth in grace is gradual, the state of entire sanctification is received instantaneously by faith. He addresses common objections, clarifies misunderstandings, and provides testimonies from Methodists who claimed to have experienced this state. The work concludes with his most refined thoughts, emphasizing that this perfection is about the purity of one's intentions and the fullness of love, not about external infallibility.

Historical Context

This work emerged from the heart of the 18th-century Evangelical Revival in Great Britain, a period of intense religious fervor led by figures like John Wesley, his brother Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield. As the leader of the burgeoning Methodist movement, which began as a renewal society within the Church of England, Wesley developed a distinct theological system rooted in Arminianism. The doctrine of Christian Perfection became a hallmark of this system, setting Methodism apart from the prevailing Calvinism of other revivalists like Whitefield. Calvinist doctrine emphasized the continuing and total depravity of the believer, whose sinfulness was merely covered by Christ's imputed righteousness. Wesley's teaching offered a more optimistic view of grace's power to transform the believer's inner life in the here and now. The 'Plain Account' was therefore both a pastoral text for guiding Methodists and a polemical one for defending his views against accusations of heresy or promoting a new form of 'works righteousness.' It was a direct response to the theological controversies of his day.

Why It Was Excluded from the Canon

As a theological work written in the 18th century by a leader of a modern Christian movement, 'A Plain Account of Christian Perfection' was never a candidate for any biblical canon. Its authority is confessional and traditional, not scriptural. Its purpose was not to be a new book of the Bible but to interpret the Bible's teachings on holiness and sanctification for a contemporary audience. Its reception has been largely confined to the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Within Methodism and its offshoots, such as the Church of the Nazarene, the Wesleyan Church, and the Salvation Army, the book is held in high esteem as a foundational document articulating a core doctrine. However, outside of this stream, particularly in Reformed and Lutheran traditions, its central thesis has been widely rejected. Critics argue that Wesley's doctrine of entire sanctification is overly optimistic about the possibility of overcoming sin in this life and is not sufficiently grounded in the biblical witness, particularly the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Key Themes

Key Passages

Reading Tips

To understand this book, recognize that it is a theological argument, not a story or devotional. It helps to have a basic grasp of the 18th-century debates between Arminianism (Wesley) and Calvinism, as Wesley is often writing in contrast to the latter's view of sin. The book's chronological structure shows the development of Wesley's thought, so pay attention to the dates of the various sections. Focus on his careful definitions and what he says perfection is *not* to avoid common misunderstandings. Read it as a pastoral guide intended to inspire hope in the transformative power of God's grace, which was Wesley's primary goal in writing it.

Influence & Legacy

The doctrine articulated in 'A Plain Account' became the defining theological contribution of Methodism, shaping its identity and mission. Its influence extended far beyond the Methodist Church, directly inspiring the American Holiness Movement in the 19th century, which sought to recover and promote Wesley's teaching on entire sanctification. This movement, in turn, gave birth to numerous denominations, including the Church of the Nazarene and the Wesleyan Church. Furthermore, the Holiness Movement was a primary antecedent of the global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements of the 20th century, which adapted Wesleyan ideas of a 'second blessing' to their own theological framework. The book remains a foundational text in Wesleyan-Arminian seminaries and continues to challenge Christians with its high view of the possibilities of a life lived in perfect love for God and others.

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