Perfection Doctrine - AHB

Our theological discussion of "perfection" was interesting. I was surprised by the number of people who either had never heard of this idea or had no desire to allow for its possibility. The perfection doctrine has always been a big part of my religious upbringing, although I would never assume too many other have a similar history. Even in a lot of other religious traditions you have a similar kind of idea - such as full enlightenment in Buddhism.

It was also interesting to hear Justin talk about Ted Haggard from New Life Church in Colorado Springs. My parents and I actually attended New Life about 7 years ago during our very brief 6-month residence in the area (it was supposed to be closer to 6 years). Even during this time Haggard was never the most popular person in the Berglund household. It seems all to common that these super-ministers are just really shallow and self-centered (not that I'm jaded), and so finding out about his gay-drug-affair-thing was shocking, but not inconceivable. I do agree that the way most evangelical leaders are treated after an event like this is pretty shocking, somehow people always succeed in forgetting importance Christian principle like . . . forgiveness and such. This is really not super relevant to the doctrine of perfection, so excuse my digression.

There is this very strong idea in the New Testament about crucifixion and resurrection through Christ's sacrifice - the "it's no longer I that live" kind of principle. Taken this idea as a premise, it is absurd to assume that God's plan was for people to walk around only mildly sanctified until Jesus returns with the whole cloak in blood and scary horseman gig. The possibility of absolute sanctification seems inherent.

Maybe this is one of those ideas that is just destined to be misunderstood - I'm certainly no theologian.